Even probably the most adorned Olympian of all time isn’t resistant to the consequences of psychological sickness.
Michael Phelps made headlines again in 2014 when he was arrested for driving underneath the affect for the second time. Afterward, the 23-time Olympic gold medalist turned so depressed that he contemplated suicide, Phelps instructed USA TODAY lately.
“I didn’t wish to be alive,” Phelps mentioned. “I didn’t wish to see anybody else. I didn’t wish to see one other day.”
Phelps mentioned again then he suffered from ongoing “melancholy spells,” and, in some respects, his issues have been linked to the very factor that introduced him fame and fortune: the swimming pool.
“You’re on the highest stage of sport you’ll be able to presumably get,” Phelps mentioned. “Then you definately’ll wish to do one thing new, one thing loopy. That prime to low can put you in a darkish spot.”
However because of what he describes as a “life-saving assist group,” Phelps acquired the assistance he wanted, and now he desires to assist others affected by related points.
“As soon as I began speaking about my struggles exterior the pool, the more healthy I felt,” Phelps mentioned. “Now I’ve youngsters and adults come as much as me and say they have been capable of open up as a result of I used to be open about my life.”
Whereas there’s no treatment for melancholy, it sounds as if Phelps is in a greater place. He and his spouse, Nicole Johnson, introduced Tuesday that they’re anticipating their second youngster.
Thumbnail picture Richard Mackson/USA TODAY Sports activities Pictures