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The Olympics G.O.A.T,?Michael Phelps, pushed the boundaries of athletic limitations with his unquestionable prowess. One might wonder, what could possibly affect the legend? However, news broke out in 2015 that Phelps was battling depression and anxiety. Shocked, the world joined in to support. Eventually recovering, he introduced, Open Up, an initiative to create awareness about mental health issues, in his charity, Michael Phelps Foundation (MPF).

Since then, mental health is a priority for the?swimming?legend. Moreover, he doesn?t shy away from addressing it in front of his massive fanbase anymore. Recently, he shared a saddening update on Instagram that laces with his past trauma.?

Michael Phelps stumbles upon a relatable thought

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In his latest Instagram story, the 37-year-old athlete shared a post from an Instagram account named ‘Shi*ologyofficial’ having a quote that iterated a deep realization, encircling bad relationships.??Sometimes you don’t realize how f**ked up someone treated you until you are explaining it to someone else,??it read. Apparently, the introspective statement compelled the 23-time gold medalist to relate to his own experiences. Thus, he affirmed with a??Yep.??

Although, the precise instance that breezed his mind was unclear. In 2008, Phelps established MPF to promote water safety, a health-focused life, and chasing dreams. However, over time he spotlighted the significance of mental health and pushed the organization to generate greater awareness of the same. The athlete also featured in two documentaries,?Angst?and?The Weight of Gold,?which focused on de-stigmatizing anxiety in society and the struggles of Olympians respectively.?

Read More: ?My Kids Not Crazy?: Michael Phelps? Wife Opens Up On The Reality Behind Kids? Unusual Behavior

The Baltimore Bullet believes that mental health is as essential as physical health. Therefore, through Open Up, he seeks to offer help and encourage individuals to share their experiences collectively. The motive was to create a safe space for the victims and advance toward a healthy future for all. Likewise, he once got candid and shared an honest insight into his mental struggles.

Michael Phelps once opened up about his mental health issues?

Several instances from the past years shed light on Phelps?s battle with mental health. Moreover, the athlete himself has seized every opportunity to address it. Similarly, in an official interview with the Olympics, he disclosed why?sharing his experiences?publicly is important to him.?

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?Hopefully, I can save a life. I can help somebody else because I know that the feelings that I have, I had, what I go through every single day, every single week, every single month,??Phelps said. Additionally, he claimed that accepting the issues is okay for him and it is reassuring to know that he?s not alone.?

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Watch This Story:?Swimming GOAT Michael Phelps dazzled his fans by sharing his stunning workout on Instagram

The 23-time gold medalist took the sport of swimming to a whole other level. Besides that, Phelps is among the leading advocates for mental health, along with?Simone Biles. Therefore, he intends to utilize his elite status to drive change. What did you think of the post he shared? Let us know in the comments.?