Life transitions can be exciting, but they also bring uncertainty and stress. When anxiety and depression are compounded, these transitions can feel unmanageable. May was Mental Health Awareness Month, but last week the golf world was shocked by the sudden death of 30-year-old Grayson Murray. A successful player and recent winner on the PGA Tour, he seemed to be living the perfect life. His parents released a statement thanking the tour and saying he was loved. They also highlighted the mixed emotions that many families will be able to relate to. “Life wasn’t always easy for Grayson. He took his own life, but we know he is now resting in peace,” his parents said. Professional athletes are becoming more open about their experiences. Murray bravely shared his longtime struggles with alcoholism and depression. You will see Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka, Kevin Love, Michael Phelps and now Sacramento Republic FC proudly wearing 988, the national suicide and crisis lifeline, on their jerseys. The message is: we know the struggle is real, so please don’t give up. As a community, we must do more. Know the signs, ask questions, and listen. And even if they seem okay, the next life transition may be too overwhelming for them to handle. If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 to speak to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat online here. Ariel Roblin is President and General Manager of KCRA 3 and My58. See more of her editorials here.
Life changes can be exciting, but they can also bring uncertainty and stress.
Combined with anxiety and depression, these changes can become overwhelming.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and last week the golf world was rocked by the sudden death of 30-year-old Grayson Murray.
He was a successful player, had recently won on the PGA Tour and seemed to have the perfect life.
His parents released a statement thanking him for the tour and saying he was loved.
They also highlighted the complex emotions that many families will be able to relate to.
“Life hasn’t always been easy for Grayson and although he took his own life, we know he is now resting in peace,” they said.
Professional athletes have become more open about their experiences.
Murray has spoken bravely about his long-standing struggles with alcoholism and depression.
You’ll see Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka, Kevin Love, Michael Phelps and now Sacramento Republic FC, a national lifeline for suicides and crises, proudly wearing the 988 on their uniforms.
The message is: please don’t give up, because we know the struggle is real.
As a community, we need to do more: learn the signs, ask questions, and listen.
And even if someone seems okay, the next life change may be too overwhelming for them to handle.
If you or someone you know needs help, suicide & Call the Crisis Lifeline or text 988, Chat online here.
Ariel Roblin is president and general manager of KCRA 3 and My 58. To see more of her editorials, click here.
