It is a bout where a loss will not fetch any guaranteed paycheck. The foundering is steep and painful. Most struggle for years to find a way out of the maze. Yet there are a few who not only succeed in forcing those demons to retreat but become torchbearers for many who desperately need a hand to hold. Tyson Fury, the Heavyweight boxing champion of the world, has never shied away from talking about the extreme depths of his mental illness and that he almost wanted to give up on life. Now back from the abyss, he has become the standard-bearer of the fight against mental health—no wonder a youngster couldn’t thank him enough for saving her life.
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The Gypsy King shared a short video clip through his Instagram handle. A young lady, purportedly going by the name of Holly, shared her mental trauma and how a small pep-talk from the Heavyweight champion changed her life for good.
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If he could do it, I definitely can do it – Holly
When asked to throw some light on her meeting with the living legend, the youngster replied in the affirmative and clarified that mentally she was sinking and couldn’t help but seek his advice, “I whispered in his ear and asked Tyson. ‘What do I do? How did you do it’?…”
It appears that Fury told her to go slow and take one step at a time,” And he gave me some advice and said, make small goals. And complete the small goals to keep getting better…”
Read More: Tyson Fury Refuses What May Have Been the Largest Commerical Proposition of His Life
Remaining faithful to his advice, Holly managed to knock out her demons. She said, “…And here I am. On the best mental health journey, I’ve ever been on now. I was very suicidal. And I’ve been through a lot. So I want going to. And I haven’t. I haven’t, and he’s made me stronger. And I’m the best I’ve ever been in my life. Ever.”
Tyson Fury’s mental health struggles
Fury finally achieved his lifelong goal of becoming a world champion when he defeated Wladimir Klitschko on 28th November 2015. However, immediately after the fight, he went into the most profound depression. Left with no motivation to keep living, suddenly, accomplishments became inconsequential.
In 2016, thoughts of his loved ones prevented him from banging his car against a bridge at a breakneck speed. Unable to cope with the situation, he sought an escape through alcohol. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Fury also lost his boxing license by that time.
Crossing 400 pounds and burdened with a legal bill of several million dollars, a renowned psychiatrist even declared Fury “medically unfit to box.” He was considered a spent force by many. Even Deontay Wilder, though he would never return to the ring.
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Determined to make a comeback, Tyson Fury wanted to fight the undefeated Deontay Wilder first thing. So gradually, he got back to running. Once back in shape, he received the approval to box again.
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Now steady and sober, Tyson Fury hopes that people with mental health issues will seek out and find the resources to help them recover. Urging everyone to be honest about their feeling and experiences, he emphasizes taking help unhesitatingly.
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