Mental health awareness is vital in sports today, especially as athletes face immense pressure. Stephen Curry’s personal journey has recently gained attention as he participates in Team USA basketball. Currently in therapy, Curry navigates the high stakes of competing alongside elite players, reflecting on the relentless competition he faced earlier in his career. He recognizes the Warriors’ current shortcomings and the urgent need for adaptation as he approaches 37. This introspection emphasizes how essential mental well-being is in the demanding world of sports.

Curry recently took to Instagram, sharing his admiration for DeMar DeRozan’s new book ‘Above The Noise’, which details the player’s struggle with mental health and how he coped with it. “Been on bookshelves for a while but don’t miss this deep dive into @deMar_deRozan story. Congrats on putting the message out and pushing the narrative of mental health and taking care of yourself 🙌,” Curry wrote.

In his story, Curry also shared DeRozan’s message in a gifted and signed copy of the book. “To Chef,” DeRozan wrote, adding, “09 draft class. Still holding it down! Love & Respect”. He was referring to the 2009 NBA draft class, which both players were a part of.

DeRozan’s mental health advocacy has been transformative. In 2018, he tweeted about his struggles with depression: “This depression gets the best of me.” That tweet resonated deeply, sparking vital conversations. DeRozan remarked, “I didn’t know it would lead into all this.” His openness encouraged other players to share their own experiences.

Growing up in Compton, DeRozan faced daily obstacles. Basketball offered him an escape, giving him hope for a better future. He expressed gratitude for the sport’s role in his life. DeRozan’s honesty has changed the narrative around mental health. His courage inspired players like Kevin Love to speak up: “DeRozan’s post saved my life.”

Stephen Curry’s mental health journey

As Curry navigates his own therapy journey, he acknowledges the pressures inherent in his role. According to The Athletic’s Marcus Thompson II, “Steph Curry is in therapy right now at Team USA Basketball. He’s surrounded with all these players. So if you get doubled, you get cooked”. He added: “This is kind of the life he (Curry) used to have”.  Thompson added that the Warriors don’t have the arsenal to support Steph. “The Warriors don’t have that for him,” he said. “It doesn’t matter until you get somebody who scares the light out of the defense. Otherwise, it’s gonna be like boxing one against Steph all day. And he’s 36 going on 37. It’s probably not the best idea.”

Even at this age, Curry is often viewed as the player entirely carrying the Warriors forward. This immense pressure would definitely add its toll on the player.

The journeys of Curry and DeRozan illuminate the critical importance of mental health in athletics. Their stories demonstrate that mental well-being is as crucial as physical performance. By prioritizing their health and fostering discussions, they serve as influential role models. Are we ready to embrace this change? The ongoing dialogues they inspire remind us that taking care of our mental health is a collective necessity in sports and beyond.