It’s a little over seven years since swimming G.O.A.T. publicly acknowledged that he had been battling mental health issues. The news for the first time was published in November 2015?Sports Illustrated?cover story.?Michael Phelps, during the said time, confessed that all through his life, he had struggled with anxiety and depression. He also revealed that there was a time when he contemplated suicide. With Phelps’ shocking revelations, the people’s opinions stood divided.

Though people had opposing thoughts, it’s needless to say, Phelps’ acceptance of having mental health issues opened the doors of discussions. Since then, the Olympic gold medalist has remained a strong advocate of mental health. Having seen the horrors firsthand, Phelps now prioritizes mental health over medals!

Michael Phelps talks about broadening horizons to help people out?

After compartmentalizing his mental health struggles for decades, Phelps felt liberated when he shared his tale. The moment he?referred?to as the “most meaningful stories of my career”?helped him to pave the way for others. As Phelps narrated his journey to the world, he helped lower the mental health stigma. He was motivated to “get people the help and the care they need.”?Phelps’ interview to date is hailed as a watershed moment in sporting history.

Since then, he has been actively working towards raising more awareness. As he recently sat for an interview with?‘Mind Reading’?a column that hosts discussions about mental health, Phelps remarked,?”I want our foundation’s mental health division to continue to evolve.”?Having faced a tough time himself, Phelps is aware the battle with one’s thoughts can push a person to darkness. He thus wants to bring in a positive change.

Read More: “Swimming Is What I Do, Not Who I Am”: Michael Phelps Now Has an A.I. Version of Himself, Constantly Reminding Him of His True Identity

Acknowledging every individual’s requirement, he adds,?“every person needs something different.”?He thus wants to make available every option to save a life. He says,?“Saving a life is way more important than ever winning a gold medal.”?During the interview, Phelps did not share his future hopes but also talked about the method he adopted that helped him pay attention to detail.

Phelps shared his coping mechanism with readers

Owing to anxiety, staying focused was difficult for Phelps. Thus, as a way out, the swimming legend started to write journals. He shared in the interview that he writes a lot. Not just that, occasionally, he revisits his write-ups and looks at them.

He reveals he has been accustomed to attending to small details throughout his career. Even swimming also helped him to improve his concentration. He acknowledges that there were hard days, but even if he managed to get “get 5 percent, 10 percent, 20 percent out of that day then it’s a win.”?What do you think of Phelps’ thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

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