I love that the current generation of top level athletes can choose their path and the majority of people support them. Even if it means they remove themselves from Olympic events. Their mental health is worth more than everything else we've been led to believe has value.
15-year-old swimmer here, this is really a great video bec not only does it help me with my anxiety issues but it shows me that I'm not the only one who has this problem and that it's ok to feel a ton of pressure when you want to achieve your goals. I loved the vid and learned a ton so thanks a lot
Anxiety & Depression can affect anyone, regardless of being a top athlete or not, rich or poor. Really important Michael opened up about it and got help. However, he is also fortunate enough (not taking away his merits of self-creating his fortune though) to have afforded 1 month of luxury retreat-rehab. Many others cannot afford even basic medical treatment or 1 hour of therapy session and that's really sad. Stay strong people
I related to this. As an athlete, what's helped me a lot is practicing mindfulness meditation a few minutes per day and also incorporating mindfulness into my training (essentially working out without music or distraction and focusing 100% of the movements, full concentration, slowly). Books like 30 Days to Reduce Anxiety by Harper Daniels are things I'll use to get into mindfulness, also the Tao Te Ching.
Depression sprouts from the emotional high of training, competing and winning; for after there is nothing, that moment is gone. We stop being pumped with so many endorphins and dopamine and the brain sort of goes through a withdrawal because nothing compensatory being produced. A gradual come-down is needed, filling the other end of things with dopamine and endorphin rich activities, even serotonin. I know this well 💙🥺
All these mental issues, are because, we are moving away from nature and moving away from who we are. If a person is spiritually inclined and close to nature, none of the mentioned things are seen. Most are living superficial life with 90% of head in electronics and in search of enjoyment and recognition. A few centuries back , a warrior used to go to war during the day, come back home, do his routine and eat nicely with his family. Now soldiers need therapy after a deployment. Also the best therapist in my life are my parents and elders who were highly spiritual and books like Bhagavad Gita. They are selfless and pure hearted. No therapist will match for them. Bottom line, become spiritual and not only help yourself but the next generation too
I am not an olympian or an athlete like michael, but what you went thru, i went thru the same, to the T. But when i asked i asked for help, i didnt get any. Physicians just blew me off. Its too late for me, but im glad for you that you got help.
All the athletes , you are already far ahead than the rest of us . Don't be disappointed by some people's bad remarks , others love you very much. Don't overthink , all the very best !!
In the Bible is said : "God, won't give you more than you can carry". I found this extremely true as a person who often gets hit by depression periods. I always prevail, because I don't want to be like that. I am better than that voice in my head that tells me : "You are worthless, nobody likes you, nobody cares about you". And when this moment passes I started valuing what is around me. There are people with worse problems than me and they are still finding ways - am I lesser than them? No.
Absolute rubbish. It is time to stop thinking like this. People commit suicide everyday because they can’t handle it anymore. Our world is sicker now than ever. Stop saying this. Stop thinking like this.
The cold reminds me why I have to keep moving, and the water sets the setting for dealing with my demons. Even after long hours of work, if I can get even 10 minutes in the water. I'll take it any day of the week.
God has send your messege to save people .. He lifted their spirit through your talk. . You are a beloved son to God & He made you a Hero who save lives through a very courageous example. . May God surrounds you always with His endless love to you which is the only thing that can fulfil our endless need & get us completely satisfied as we have our creator embracing us in His heart& present for us every moment.. Be safe in Jesus name my son. . ❤
When you turn your body and mind to a machine that trains from Monday to Sunday for years and years its normal to feel emptiness after the end of competitions.Because you dont know life outside the swimming pool.You dont know what else brings you joy and fulfils you.That is the cost of greatness for many athletes.If you have made money in your carier ( especially in USA where all this treatments cost a lot of money...) you can find your path. Otherwise is going to be really hard
Not surprising. Happiness and well-being comes from a balanced life. By the nature of what it takes to be an Olympian, it is very difficult to have that balance - one must sacrifice other important aspects of life too much for it.
If Phelps discloses his weaknesses, anyone can do it. That’s the message, Simone Biles and many other stars are putting forward. « it is not Middle Ages anymore »..
The Simon Biles situation was a bit different. I am not sure of the cause, but she was experiencing 'the twirlies' which means she would become disoriented doing her flipping and twisting moves. In gymnastics, that can lead to fatal and/or career ending injuries.
I like what he said "we're human" that means a lot! Humiity is big on him especially He is the best! but I hope he finds God if he hasn't yet. Humans are weak, that's why we should have the One true living God who is Jesus. He is our help.
As someone who has achieved it all, his depression doesn't count. Atleast let the people who actually suffer be left alone please. Thank you 🙏 no truly depressed person wants to hear a first world wold champion talk about depression, it's a game that you can't win at Mr. Phelps
so i think the moral to the story is: dont be an overachieving olympian, nor a cry baby who has a very privileged and simple task to do while being coddled by their team and support system,and adoring public, and furthermore, dont bother structuring swim sets and sessions, but rather do what you want, when you want, and how you want, especially without bs apps or computer tech, because those things wouldnt know a human, nor its daily fluctuations in pain, soreness, energy levels, strength, need to push, need to pull back, etc, if its life depended on it, and everybody else can go suck it while you are having the time of your life :)
You'll regret letting those predators into your business. There is no court trial. You will be convicted and lose your rights by opportunistic medical exploitation.
Such a bad video. How can u put so much pressure on Michael. How can you say he has overcome this. How can u declare he has fixed himself. Its permanent.
