Michael Phelps opens up about his struggles with mental health | Outside the Lines

Summary

Olympic champion Michael Phelps, with a record 123 gold medals, faced personal struggles including a second DUI arrest and battles with anxiety and depression. With the support of friends and a 45-day rehabilitation program, Phelps found a path to recovery and mental health advocacy. He encourages others to seek help and speaks openly about the mental health challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and support from loved ones.

Takeaways

• 🏅 Michael Phelps is a record-breaking Olympic swimmer with 23 gold medals, the most ever in swimming.
• 🚔 Phelps faced personal challenges, including a 2014 arrest for driving under the influence, his second such incident in a decade.
• 💔 He struggled with self-esteem and self-worth, feeling like a 'time bomb' and experiencing a deep sense of low self-worth.
• 🤝 An intervention from a sports icon friend in Baltimore helped Phelps realize the importance of character during difficult times.
• 🛑 Phelps reached a low point, isolating himself and considering the end of his life as the best option.
• 🆘 He sought help and spent 45 days at the Meadows, a behavioral rehabilitation facility, where he was treated for anxiety and depression.
• 💪 Phelps used his experience to come back stronger, winning five more gold medals at the 2016 Olympics and becoming an advocate for mental health.
• 🗣️ He encourages others to speak up and seek help, being vocal about his own mental health issues and the importance of addressing them.
• 🌐 Phelps acknowledges the mental health struggles many are facing during the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of routine and support systems.
• 👥 He recognizes the impact of public figures and athletes opening up about mental health, showing vulnerability and humanizing themselves to the public.
• 🌟 Phelps believes that discussing struggles openly is powerful and helps to normalize conversations around mental health.

Q & A

How many Olympics did Michael Phelps compete in?

Michael Phelps competed in five Olympics.

What is the record that Michael Phelps holds in terms of gold medals?

Michael Phelps holds the record for the most gold medals ever in swimming, with 123 gold medals.

What legal issue did Michael Phelps face in 2014?

In 2014, Michael Phelps was arrested and charged with driving under the influence for the second time in 10 years.

What personal struggles did Phelps experience out of the pool?

Phelps struggled with self-esteem and self-worth, and at one point, he was at his lowest point, not eating, sleeping, or leaving his room.

How did an old friend and sports icon help Phelps during his difficult time?

An old friend, also a sports icon in Baltimore, intervened and encouraged Phelps to fight back and seek help, highlighting the importance of character during tough times.

What facility did Phelps attend for treatment?

Phelps attended the Meadows, a behavioral rehabilitation facility just outside Phoenix, for 45 days.

What mental health issues were Phelps treated for at the Meadows?

Phelps was treated for anxiety and depression at the Meadows.

How did Phelps' performance at the 2016 games reflect his personal growth?

After his treatment and personal growth, Phelps won five more gold medals at the 2016 games.

What role has Phelps taken on as a result of his experiences?

Phelps has become a mental health warrior, encouraging others to speak up and seek help when they need it.

How has Phelps described the impact of the pandemic on his mental health?

Phelps described the pandemic as one of the toughest stretches he has ever gone through, with many uncertainties and challenges to maintaining a normal routine.

What advice does Phelps give to those who are struggling with mental health issues?

Phelps advises people who are struggling to open up and talk about their issues, emphasizing the importance of having loved ones for support during difficult times.

What impact does Phelps believe public figures have had by opening up about mental health?

Phelps believes that when public figures like himself open up about mental health issues, it shows vulnerability and humanity, which can be powerful and help others realize they are not alone in their struggles.