holding hands arms painted to read you are not alone

Mental Health Awareness for Athletes a necessary convo

October 10 is World Mental Health Day.

As the day draws near athletes and the like are strived to bring awareness to Mental Health a big topic on the list is Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). 

How would you define CTE? Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a brain condition associated with repeated blows to the head. During the 2019 NFL pre and regular season games, there were a total of 224 reported concussions. Such cases of CTE have led to depression, anxiety, and in extreme cases suicide. For example, the case with Junior Seau, who knew he was suffering from CTE and fatally took his life. Seau had hopes that his sacrifice would promote experts to study his brain and the effects that the disease caused. 

Bret Farve American Football player celebrating after a game.

Picture courtesy of latimes.com

Former Green Bay Packer Quarterback Brett Farve has expressed his concern for early signs of CTE. The former NFL legend is already experiencing short-term memory loss, as well as slurred speech at times. Favre also recognizes that the multiple concussions that he has experienced over his 19-year career will eventually take a toll on his brain. Brett Farve has expressed that he has experienced over a thousand concussions in his career, which subsequently led to neurological issues. Farve stated that he’s afraid that his current neurological state will eventually get worse over time and he will eventually develop full on CTE. 

Signs of CTE

  1. Memory loss
  2. Confusion
  3. Personality changes (including depression and suicidal thoughts)
  4. Erratic behavior (including aggression)
  5. Problems paying attention and organizing thoughts

NBA’S DeMar DeRozan and Kevin Love join forces in spreading Mental Health Awareness 

DeMar DeRozan and Kevin Love part of NBA's public service campaign on  mental health

NBA Point-Guard DeMar DeRozan has openly shared living and dealing with Anxiety and Depression. With drive and passion, DeMar and NBA’s Kevin Love who recently shared his bouts with Mental Illness, recently partnered up to spread awareness across the league and the world. They joined the NBA with spreading the message through a PSA, and also launching a website for fans to receive information on the disease.

The NBA also shared that they will launch league training for players and employees, as well as programs for youth through Jr. NBA and NBA Fit. The NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan has dealt with mental illness since childhood and never really sorted out the ongoing issues that still linger. At times, others may feel that he’s antisocial, but in all actuality it’s a sign of depression.“Never be ashamed of wanting to be a better you”-DeRozan. 

Kevin Love also had an episode during his Nov. 5th game this season. The NBA player launched Kevin Love Fund, to inspire people to live a healthier lifestyle. Check out DeMar DeRozan and Kevin Love’s Mental Wellness PSA.

Signs of Anxiety and Depression

  • Difficulty sleeping, waking early, or oversleeping
  • Decreased energy, chronic fatigue, or feeling sluggish frequently
  • Feeling hopeless or pessimistic
  • Anger, irritability, or restlessness
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

Postpartum Depression (PPD)The successful and professional Tennis star Serena Williams has openly shared living with Depression, as well as Postpartum Depression (PPD), also known as “The Baby Blues”. The Tennis athlete admitted that her depression would take over the joy and excitement, even after winning large matches such as Wimbledon.

Serena also candidly shared that after having her daughter, she experienced Postpartum Depression. Serena doesn’t like to place titles on the condition, because she feels it makes women feel less of a mother just as she did. Williams spoke with Vogue magazine and opened up about her depression.

The tennis star expressed that even being at the top of your game, you still have underlying issues that can eventually bring you down. While trying to sustain her career after giving birth, the new mother shared that she felt like she was not giving her baby enough.

Some women suffer from Postpartum Anxiety, and at times can have suicidal thoughts. Serena shared with her fans via Instagram and also on her HBO documentary (Being Serena). Williams feels better sharing her story with other women who maybe experiencing the same. For more on Serena’s depression, check out the article in Vogue

Signs of Postpartum Depression (PPD)

  1. Worrying or feeling overly anxious
  2. Oversleeping, or being unable to sleep even when your baby is asleep
  3. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  4. Trouble bonding with your baby
  5. Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmJ3KMzFRZw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

It is evident that Mental Health can affect anyone, from the common worker to the Multi-Million-dollar athlete. Let’s take the time to give thanks to all athletes who attempt to shed light on Mental Health Awareness, not just during awareness month, but every day.

Other Athletes leading the charge for Mental Health Awareness

Myron Rolle – Former NFL Star turned Neurosurgeon

Michael Phelps – USA Olympic Gold medalist

Brandon Marshall – NFL Wide Receiver

If you or someone you know is suffering from Mental Health or would like more information on World Mental Health Day please contact The Suicide Prevention Hotline 24/7 at 1-800-273-82555.

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