“I Was Sobbing and Crying on the Floor”: Australian Swimming Icon Opens Up on Heartbreaking Mental Health Struggles

The Australian swimming champ Cate Campbell did not achieve what she did without her fair share of struggles in her life. After the Tokyo Olympics, where she won two gold medals, the Australian admitted to having gone through an emotional breakdown before the tournament.

In a recent interview, Campbell stated that she took professional help a fortnight before the competition. Finally, the athlete secured the first position in the 4x100m and 4x100m medley relay races in the Tokyo Games.

Cate Campbell and her struggles

The swimmer explained how it only took a minor power outage in her house to break her down. Campbell’s anxiety and depression reached a level where she was compelled to seek professional health.

“I had a complete emotional breakdown because the power in my house tripped, and I was sobbing and crying on the floor, and I was like: hang on, this is not a normal reaction to the power tripping. There is something going on here,” she said.

Before competing in the Olympic Games, she realized that her anxiety had reached a level where her professional capacity might come into jeopardy. Without any delay, she took the necessary steps.

Read More: BREAKING: Australia Smash the Swimming Freestyle World Record at Tokyo Olympics 2020

“I started medication just four weeks before the Tokyo Olympics because I realized I wasn’t managing my anxiety and depression,” stated Campbell.

The importance of awareness

Mental health problems like anxiety, depression, and insomnia are common in today’s day and age. Unfortunately, the awareness surrounding such issues is yet to be at par with what is required. “And I think that it took me getting to that point, it took me pushing myself to my absolute breaking point before I decided to seek help or support, and then I reached out and I made an appointment to see a psychologist, and I was able to, fortunately, get in very quickly and started seeing them regularly,” said the multiple world record holder.

Being a spokesperson for promoting mental health, Cate Campbell came out with her problems to the world. Speaking to the Daily Mail, she explained she was never ashamed to talk about her physical injuries but felt a “sense of shame” while talking about her mental stress or handing a prescription to someone for anti-anxiety medications.

Overcoming mental health issues requires patience, time, and careful analysis by a professional. Most people are ashamed to admit that there is something wrong and shy away from seeking help. “That just shouldn’t be the case” – she explains. Additionally, consulting a psychologist for counseling sessions is probably something individuals suffering from mental illness or stress should do. The courageous Cate Campbell consolidates this fact in her statement.

Watch this story: Swimming GOAT Michael Phelps Dazzled His Fans By Sharing His Stunning workout on Instagram