Michael Phelps is a true legend in the world of swimming, having won a record-breaking 23 Olympic gold medals throughout his career. His unparalleled success and dominance in the sport have made him an inspiration for youth athletes around the globe. But, the legendary swimmer has faced his moments of darkness and doubts. Recently, he sat down with Dr. Bhrett McCabe, a celebrated sports psychologist, for an exclusive interview.

Dr. McCabe hosts a show called “Mental Game Live,” where he discusses athletes’ mental challenges and how they overcome them. In episode 12, he invited Michael Phelps to share his personal experiences with depression and how it has shaped his life. The iconic athlete also shared his strategy for maintaining mental resilience in adversity. Let’s find out what he had to say!

Michael Phelps’ advice to young athletes

After Phelps retired from competitive swimming in 2016, he devoted his life to campaigning for mental health awareness. He often speaks about his depression and anxiety as a way to break the stigma surrounding mental health. In a recent interview with the Associated Press, he revealed, “I do break down”. Speaking to Dr. Bhrett McCabe, Phelps revealed how his mental struggles have affected him throughout his career and how he has learned to cope with them.

A snippet from the hour-long interview was shared on the official Instagram account of Dr. McCabe. In the video, Phelps shared the secret to his success. He spoke about the importance of self-acceptance and said, “Be You, If you’re not being yourself, then your cheating yourself”. Phelps followed this by brashly speaking about himself, saying, “I’m this quirky, gangly person”.

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He wants other athletes to embrace their own uniqueness and not be afraid to show their true selves. Michael Phelps wants to bring mental health issues out in the open because he knows firsthand the toll it can take on a person’s well-being.

Michael Phelps championing mental health advocacy

The legendary U.S. swimmer has partnered with Talkspace, which provides online therapy services. He said his joy from helping others is much greater than winning a gold medal. He relishes the chance to save a life and believes that he can inspire others to find the support they need. Michael owes this clarity to his own mental struggles that led him down a dark path. He was becoming an alcoholic and was also arrested twice for DUI.

Michael Phelps wants to help others deal with their mental issues. Therefore, he started advocating for openness about such issues through the Michael Phelps Foundation. Phelps’ advice to young athletes is that it is natural to have a bad day but it is important to speak to experts. His involvement has undoubtedly changed the narrative around mental health issues, illuminating that it is a universal problem that can develop even in highly successful individuals. Michael Phelps’ efforts have created a positive impact, inspiring countless individuals to seek help and embrace a brighter, healthier future.

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