"Mental Health is just as important as physical health to me” – Paul George sends a public message announcing $3 million aid to a venture for providing free therapy to people with mental problems
Professional athletes are seen as giants among men. They are supposed to be bigger, stronger and faster than the rest of us. Sometimes it causes them to overlook the fact that they sometimes have some of the same struggles that regulars tend to face. While physically strong, some of our favorite athletes deal with mental health issues.
A player who has been open about dealing with mental health during his NBA career has been Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George. We first heard George speak about his time in the NBA Bubble, in the 2020 season.
"I underestimated mental health, honestly. I had anxiety. A little bit of depression. Just being locked in here. I wasn't there. I checked out," - Paul George
Clippers’ Paul George said he talked to psychiatrist after slump before Game 5 breakthrough: “I underestimated mental health, honestly. I had anxiety and a little bit of depression. Being locked in here (in the bubble), I just wasn’t there. I checked out.” https://t.co/rwOzAnxSKK
It was announced today that the Clippers star will partner with BetterHelp, the world’s largest online therapy platform, to help people better manage their own mental health. George wants to help remove the stigma around mental health that prevents people from seeking help.
George is donating $3 million of his own money to help provide therapy services for people who need it.
Says Paul George:
"Mental Health is just as important as physical health to me. I can be in the best physical shape of my life but if my mental health is lacking, it won't make a difference. Getting help to better yourself mentally has been extremely important in my life." https://t.co/cX8cs6z6bD
NBA players who faced mental issues
Paul George is not alone in his advocacy for mental health. Other NBA players have become vocal in their support and sharing their own experiences with dealing with mental health. Professional sports can bring an intense spotlight on these players and some of them have been open about how they have had to deal with a high level of scrutiny.
Players like George’s new teammate John Wall recently opened up about his own struggles after losing his mother in 2019 to breast cancer. The Bulls' Demar DeRozan has been open lately about getting a handle on his mental wellness.
One of the most notable players to advocate for mental health awareness is the Cavaliers' Kevin Love. In 2018 Love was awarded the “Morton E. Ruderman Award in Inclusion” by the Ruderman Family Foundation for his work in the mental health space. He has been very open about his struggles with depression and anxiety.
NBA players efforts to improve mental wellness
Since 2018 the NBA and NBPA have been working together to address mental health issues among players and provide resources. The league has instituted programs dealing with wellness during their Rookie Transition program and its Player Assistance Program over the past few years.
As the discussion around mental health and wellness has expanded, more and more players are feeling comfortable enough to share their stories. Hopefully this leads to them finding what they need and also inspires others to do the same.