?My Skin Started to Crawl?: Michael Phelps? Sister Opens Up on Disease That Affected 15 Million Americans in 2022

The life journey of swimming GOAT?Michael Phelps?remains unhidden from the public purview. From his Olympic victory to his battle with mental health, the swimmer cum mental health advocate has remained vocal about his struggles. Helping others by sharing his voice, Phelps has indeed been an inspiration. However, this time, it’s not Michael talking about his life’s struggles. Taking the podium for the first time is his elder sister Hilary Phelps.

After struggling with alcoholism for nearly 15 years, the pilates expert talks about her journey. By talking about the issue, the entrepreneur helps to break the social stigma surrounding alcoholism, which reportedly affects 15 million people only in America.

Michael Phelps’s sister talks about her journey with alcoholism?

Even though Hilary did not make any poignant social media post or celebrate her accomplishment, she quietly celebrated a significant milestone in her life. Away from the public purview, she celebrated her sober-versary. “It was my secret,”?the 44-year-old revealed to the team of TODAY.

Adding more, she said, “nobody knew.”?She was earlier bothered by the people’s opinions. The stigma associated with alcoholism is pervasive, and like many others, she had her own hesitation. However, breaking the shackles, she soon came forward to speak about her journey.

Read More: “It’s Saving Lives”: Swimming Legend Michael Phelps Remains Bullish About the Future Years After Opening Up About Mental-Health Struggles

Reflecting on the struggles she faced, Hilary added, “My skin started to crawl. I was anxious.”?She added, “Next thing, I’m in the bathroom downing a bottle of NyQuil. That’s what this disease does to you.”?Thus, her battle with the addiction was not easy. She faced her set of hardships. But her brother helped her in her recovery.

Hilary revealed how Michael helped her to make the right decision?

Inspired by her brother’s advocacy for mental health, Hilary finally gathered the courage to let go of her reservations. Brushing off her fears and hesitation in May 2022, she came public. Penning down her journey, the former swimmer typed out a press release about herself. Since then, Hilary, much like her younger brother Phelps, talks about her struggle in the public forum.

She was just 14 years old when she had her first drink. Growing up in a small town in Maryland, there was a point in life when Hilary could have never imagined a day without drinks. But the situation is now changed; she has transformed her life. Ensuring that her voice reaches out more, she remains active on her social media and misses no chance to speak about her journey.

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So what do you think about Hilary’s journey? Do share your thoughts with us!