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The discussion around men’s mental health remains a tricky one, especially in athletics, but it’s a much-needed one.
June, designated Men’s Mental Health Month, should serve not only as a reminder, but also as a time of advocacy. In the sports world, men’s mental health remains a topic that is rarely discussed. As a result, many athletes at all levels, from middle school to professional, find it difficult to even talk about a topic that directly affects them on a daily basis. Let’s be honest, the mental health of male athletes should be a top priority.
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Inner conflict
For male athletes, such moments exist regardless of where they compete or at what level they play. Whether they are described as self-doubt, anxiety, or worries, everyone faces such moments. However, many suppress these thoughts and push them deep inside their mind until they reach their limit. From there, incidents such as verbal abuse and potential violence arise. When tragedies occur, people ask themselves, “How could this happen? So-and-so seemed totally normal.” This does not justify violent acts, as some people are born evil. Rather, this explains meltdowns, public withdrawal, and personality changes. To be honest, many male athletes feel that they cannot confide in anyone about their mental health.
You can’t rub dirt into internal wounds.
Back in the day, we played sports as kids, falling and getting scrapes and cuts on the unforgiving black asphalt, but everyone told us to just hang in there and rub the dirt in our faces. As the quality of the playing field surfaces improves, the pressure grows exponentially. Fun playground games turn into AAU and prep showcase games. Players love the game, but what comes with it adds to the stress. Legitimate NIL or not, athleticism like a lottery ticket that expires on draft day. Players want to support their parents. Then the cronies demand a piece of the pie they didn’t earn. Physically hurting? Take your meds and start rehab. Mentally hurting? Hang in there. The sentiment resonates embarrassingly throughout the landscape. As a result, some players choose to help out by other means.
Weed debate
Played as a pass rusher for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Randy Gregory Gregory was suspended for marijuana use. Why? According to Gregory himself, he suffers from panic attacks and heightened anxiety. He smokes marijuana to get a sense of relief. The NFL was reluctant. Gregory missed the entire season due to his suspension. Instead of asking why, the league chose to fire him. It is much easier to use punitive measures than understanding ones. It dulls the pain that the public cannot see. Too many people are ignorant that those who suffer from invisible illnesses don’t count. Many athletes smoke marijuana just to survive. Thankfully, the NFL finally eased up on the suspension. punishment. In lieu of a suspension, the case will go before a medical committee.
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Read a book/Play in the field
When an athlete plays at the collegiate level, the difficult challenge of balancing schoolwork and sports comes to mind. Juggling academic performance and practice affects many athletes. Most athletes need scholarships/grants to stay enrolled. In such situations, trying to balance life pushes mental health to the limit. Now, the misconception that FCS, Division II, and Division III players don’t struggle as much is false. Try taking classes at Babson College or Drew University while playing a sport. When you talk to athletes, they find the struggle tough but rewarding. Now, imagine a sophomore edge rusher at the University of Pittsburgh. The future of his entire family depends on him getting into the league.
Unfunny clown
Those who struggle with mental illness are criticized as weak or frail. When a video surfaced of former NBA guard Delonte West repeatedly begging for money, people had to stop making lame jokes. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, West became a talking point, a meme, and was mocked instead of receiving help. Seeing all the attention he’s getting, many athletes run away. Rather than seek help, they choose to fight internally. You can’t blame them, as we live in a society that prioritizes clout over humanity. When time’s up, people have to deal with life away from the game, which isn’t always pretty.
Happy Place
Once their eligibility expires, football, softball and baseball players may choose flag, semi-pro or arena football or baseball. These activities provide structure to men and women who can’t find such a disciplined environment anywhere else. For three hours on a Saturday, players use the game to distance themselves from the stresses of daily life and take a breather. Sure, semi-pro sports have their own brand of nonsense, but for the most part, it allows players to take a breather.
baseball Ground
Though there is a fee to play and the equipment is expensive, softball offers people a competitive opportunity, regardless of skill level. People come from all over the country to chase a little yellow ball with bats and gloves. At the same time, the sport provides spiritual healing for many. In cold weather, the first crack of the bat signals the start of a long summer filled with trips to the ballpark, beer, and good company. You’ve probably heard people say that playing gives them something to look forward to all winter, a goal that helps them get through their problems. For those 55 minutes or so, nothing external exists and a sense of true freedom exists. The ultimate goal is to compete, but rational humans shouldn’t measure their worth by the game they pay to play. Stupidity exists. Laugh at the stupidity and move on.
Personal Reflection
Despite blowing out 500 candles last week, I am still on the softball field. These games give me the opportunity to interact with people from all walks of life. Plus, getting better at the game makes the dreary Wisconsin winters fly by. I never imagined in any world that I would play softball on a single standard. Now in my 11th year, the goals are different. Winning is the fun and the plan. And yet, I am more and more grateful for the game. In 2021, I endured a bitter, life-changing divorce, the culmination of a disastrous marriage. Through the hard times, I closed my eyes and just wanted to be on the field. The storm ended and better times followed. Now I have the joy of my teammates and the love of my fiancé and children who cheer me on. Life is good.
overview
Mental health remains a tricky issue, especially for men. For athletes, fears can worsen or lessen depending on your mental state. There are 16 days left in Men’s Mental Health Month. Look within and think about what’s really going on. If your emotions get out of hand, reach out to someone for help. This list provides a resource for those in need.
