The bodybuilding routine revolves around heavy training regimes and strict diets. Despite being in the fitness community, bodybuilders are not immune to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Many bodybuilding icons of late have confessed to having witnessed low points in life. One among them is the CEO of gym positivity Joey Swoll.

The 40-year-old bodybuilding icon is celebrated by the fitness community for spearheading the gym positivity movement. However, Swoll often speaks about the negative phase of his life and how he overcame the moments of weakness to live a purposeful life.

Joey Swoll’s heartbreaking confession

Swoll is known to call upon bullies at the gym in his videos, advocating compassion and positivity. However, his positive attitude towards life was a result of hardships he faced a couple of years back. In an Instagram post, the social media icon opened up, “Three years ago, I tried to end it all. Suffering from depression and addiction, I needed help.”

Swoll shared an anecdote where he asked help from his friend to overcome the weakest and “scariest” moments of life. But the friend responded that he couldn’t drive for 45 minutes to visit Swoll due to tiredness. It made the bodybuilding icon feel more hurt and weak. In the post, Swoll mentions that it was very hard for him to survive that night.

“I didn’t think I was going to wake up the next morning,” he wrote in the post. Now, he is grateful for his choice of living and working towards spreading positivity among his followers. Stressing the importance of seeking help, Joey Swoll noted in the captions, “Asking for help doesn’t make you weak, it makes you human.” He earlier revealed how his mom helped him to overcome suicidal thoughts as he decided to give life a second chance.

The bodybuilding icon’s confession about mother

Joey Swoll is a social media sensation with 3M followers appreciating him for his gym positivity videos. However, the bodybuilding icon has his share of struggles to reach the path of success. He was bullied as a child, experienced financial struggles, and almost ended his life due to depression. But it was his mom who was a constant supporter and cheerleader to Swoll.

While appearing on the Straight Outta the Lair podcast, Swoll recalled how he was almost at the edge of ending his life when his mom’s phone rang, stalling his negative thoughts. “And my phone rings it’s my mom,” he said. She was afraid for her son’s well-being, and the bodybuilder had to assure her. After she disconnected, Swoll came back to his senses, “I kept sitting there and thinking I don’t wanna die.”

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Joey Swoll often shares his hardships to inspire his followers to keep going despite the setbacks. He is making his positive impact felt, and the gym community is witnessing heartwarming gym videos on the internet. Did you ever help a friend in need? Let us know in the comments below.

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