It used to be taboo for sports figures to acknowledge mental health issues. Today, athletes are coming forward, sharing their struggles publicly, and (very importantly) getting help. Here are examples from the NHL.
Over the past few years, several NHL-level stars have come forward to share their stories. Vegas Golden Knights star goaltender Robin Lehner has been in the vanguard of change.
Pills and alcohol left Lehner in a dark place and, eventually, he sought help from the NHL Player Assistance Program. That decision may have saved his life. Physicians diagnosed Lehner with a variety of issues, including bipolar disorder, ADHD, and PTSD.
Today–following recovery and a career resurgence–Lehner is an NHL ambassador on mental health awareness. And that includes calling out old ways of thinking and approaching mental health matters. For example, Lehner recently questioned the National Hockey League Player’s Association (NHLPA) regarding mishandling cases.
Lehner isn’t alone. Last season, Montreal Canadiens winger Jonathan Drouin took an unexpected leave of absence, revealing later that he had been dealing with anxiety and insomnia. Drouin’s teammate, all-star goalie Carey Price, also made the difficult decision to step away from the game and seek assistance.
Rather than question or criticize these moves, responses have been overwhelmingly positive. And it’s not just a sports story either.
Let’s congratulate and thank these brave athletes for acknowledging an issue and then taking action. We’re all winners as a result.
https://youtu.be/fjKc-FKnRgo
