More than the physical challenges, one thing that nudges the WNBA players the most is their mental health. Going into the season, they have to bring out their very best every other day. As you reach higher, the more responsibility you have to show up for your team. Adding to this pressure is the daily life outside of the lines where the spotlight remains intact on these stars. And who better to understand this feeling than the Seattle Storm star– Skylar Diggins-Smith?

In her latest interview with LaChina Robinson of the ESPNW, Skylar Diggins-Smith talked about her struggles. She told the WNBA analyst, “I think a lot of people would be surprised, I’ve struggled with anxiety, I’ve struggled with depression.”

Speaking about joining Seattle, she added, “Even when I came to the team here, I was like, ‘Man, am I going to fit in here socially? Coming back after 21 months of being a stay-at-home mom, ‘Are they gonna think I’m weird? Oh! That’s anxiety. I thought that was just Sky’, you know? No. It is. You’re not the only person feeling this way sometimes who hesitates to share it. Because it’s a taboo in the black community talking about certain things like that.”

Smith’s controversial departure from the Dallas Wings home is a well-known fact about her. Then, she faced criticism for staying away and not helping her team clinch a playoff berth. However, the WNBA star too retorted back admitting that she was going through postpartum depression and the Wings were of no help to her.

In April 2019, Skylar Diggins-Smith gave birth to her firstborn after Dallas’ impressive run the season before. Consequently, she inked a sign-and-trade deal with the Phoenix Mercury in February 2020, one month after denying to return to the Wings.

Still, the 6x WNBA All-Star has moved on from all the drama. Now, she has only silver linings to look at.

Skylar Diggins-Smith’s way up

While there have been many ups and downs in the career of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games gold medalist, she has continued to give her best to the team. This season, she made her debut with the Seattle Storm, having spent most of her time in the gym during the offseason. As a seasoned starter in the squad, she is adding 13.9 points per game with 6.3 assists.

Apart from the team, she is also helping others who are going through what she did. When Robinson asked what message she would send those people, the guard quickly responded, “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Call in the suicide prevention hotline. I’ve dialed the number before. Just know, you are not alone.”

Smith has finally gotten over all the negativity and people’s opinions. According to her, “This is my favorite version of myself.” The veteran has won many battles that the people have not known or seen. She has won over them and come on the other side. Now, she does not just survive but thrives.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.