Big props need to go out to two sources: Aussie Tennis Star, ranked amongst the tops in the world, Nick Kyrgios, for his genuine advocacy towards MH, & in this post pic, Yahoo Sports, for their responsible reporting on a topic that too often gets exploited.
Below, I’m going to share pieces of Kyrgios’ recent post to Instagram. In it, he focuses on why he “got there”….he makes mention of things that were PART of it…but the focus is mental HEALTH struggles…he doesn’t lead w the label or make it the main/even sole takeaway.
He talks about self-harm…& suicidal THOUGHTS. He’s very careful w his words & doesn’t speak in hyperbole for effect/endorsement/eyeballs/clicks:
“I felt as if I couldn’t talk or trust anyone. This was a result of not opening up and refusing to lean on my loved ones and simply just push myself little by little to be positive.”
“I was lonely, depressed, negative, abusing alcohol, drugs, pushed away family & friends.”
“I was having suicidal thoughts and was literally struggling to get out of bed, let alone play in front of millions.”
“If you look closely, on my right arm you can see my self harm.”
“I know that day to day life can seem extremely exhausting, impossible at times.”
“I’ve been through those times when it seemed as if those positive energetic vibes were never ever going to be reality.”
“I understand that you feel if you open up it may make you feel weak, or scared. I’m telling you right now, it’s OK, you are not alone.”
Just compare that advocacy to the celebs who lead with – “I’m XYZ, I have ABC disorder, I attempted suicide, use _____app for help.”
Compare Yahoo Sport’s coverage here – the title & the full article talking about “MH struggles & dark periods” to the titles of the two articles on the next pic slide➡️.
True advocacy vs eyeballs & clicks as the motivating factors. Let’s applaud the good when we see it. We need more of it!
