‘Doesn’t Mean You Are Broken’ – Naomi Osaka Sends a Powerful Message on Meeting Therapists

Over the past few years, Naomi Osaka has often made headlines for her thrilling performances on the tennis court. However, that isn’t the only reason she was in the headlines. In addition to her performances, the Japanese star has also been in the news for her struggle with mental health issues.

Going back in time, it was during the 2021 French open when Osaka first opened up about her mental health issues. Ever since then, Osaka has taken occasional breaks from the tour to deal with her mental health. In March of this year, Osaka suffered arguably a major mental breakdown. Following this, she opted to visit a therapist.

Naomi Osaka opens up about her therapy sessions

After taking a mental health break post the 2022 Australian Open, Osaka gathered back her emotions to make a comeback at the Indian Wells. However, little did she know that something worse was waiting for her in the United States. During her second-round clash against Veronika Kudermetova, a spectator heckled Osaka, saying, “Osaka, you s**k!!”

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The incident not only took away the match from Osaka’s hands but also left a lasting impression on her mental health. The result? The former World No.1 was left with no choice but to see therapists. Recalling the time, she started by admitting, “I have seen therapists in the past but not consistently until now.”

Despite living in the 21st century, visiting mental health therapists is often considered an unpleasant act by many. However, being the face of mental health protection across the globe, Osaka further went ahead, admitting that the therapy has clearly done wonders for her. “I’m super happy that I found the right person who really understands me and has been incredibly helpful,” she said.

Taking the first step towards mental health protection

As mentioned earlier, therapy sessions are still considered a taboo by a large section of society. However, those who break the taboo and take the first are often the first ones to realize that it is an act that’ll help them lead better lives. Similar was the case with Osaka. Elaborating further on her therapy sessions, Osaka admitted, “It’s kind of a scary first step to take…but I think it can be helpful to everyone in some shape or form and especially so to a large section of people….It doesn’t mean you are broken.” 

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While Osaka seems to have overcome the unpleasant phase, fans await her return to the tour in the upcoming hard-court season. She last played at the 2022 French Open, suffering an opening round defeat. She opted to skip the Wimbledon Championships because of an injury to her Achilles tendon.