back

Phelps discusses depression and suicidal thoughts

Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian ever, but beneath the surface, anxiety and depression were crippling him. Now, he's speaking out to raise awareness.

02/09/2018 1:59 PMupdated: 02/28/2020 7:49 PM
  • 1.2m
  • 570

Breaking Stereotypes

  1. 6:58

    The story of Sacha Baron Cohen

  2. 3:21

    The "Vogue Challenge": Black creatives call for diversity in fashion

  3. 5:08

    Interview with a real female spy

  4. 3:41

    Goodbye to Aunt Jemima

  5. 3:34

    Why these ballerinas posed in front of Robert E. Lee statue

  6. 3:18

    Green Beret Stands for Kaepernick

214 comments

  • Larry T.
    06/23/2018 00:12

    I've had intense anxiety my whole life. I just thought I was weird (and so did everyone else) and I found relief with alcohol. AA and mental therapy followed. It wasn't until I was treated with medicines that my need to self medicate vanished because the anxiety was under control. There is a name for this disease but I won't repeat it here because I think the term minimizes the impact the disease has. My point is this. The philosophy and therapy was not wasted but I wish I had been treated medically first. I wish I had been treated medically when I was young because my whole life would have been a whole lot different. If you have the stomach for it, check out the plethora of hateful comments that have been made toward Michael after his post. A lot of the stigma comes from terror. People are terrified that they may not be in complete control of ones own mind. Also, it simplifies the concept of accountability. Simplicity is comfort food for closed minds.

  • Nancy B.
    06/09/2018 13:41

    Michael, as a Therapist myself, I so appreciate your honesty and willingness to talk about your experience with depression/anxiety. Sharing your experience openly will be so helpful to people who are suffering and are apprehensive to seek help. Thanks you for your courage. Best Wishes to you.

  • Linda O.
    06/08/2018 23:28

    Awesome. You are changing the world with men sharing and getting help!!!

  • Sapana S.
    04/02/2018 17:02

    👍

  • Milton A.
    03/25/2018 00:33

    El mejor deportista de la historia

  • Dorota B.
    03/17/2018 10:55

    ..

  • Dilukshi D.
    03/16/2018 05:26

    Hafeez

  • Joyce W.
    03/15/2018 07:58

    Natalie Janet Wiegersma

  • Laura M.
    03/15/2018 02:58

    Martínez

  • Marta N.
    03/12/2018 22:51

    Michael Phelps ☺

  • Barry J.
    03/09/2018 04:50

    te pareces un poco jajaj

  • Sebastián R.
    03/09/2018 03:09

    lo que callamos los nadadores

  • Redon R.
    03/07/2018 18:41

    ky me zemren teme e me gojen e vet

  • Meester V.
    03/07/2018 11:37

    “It’s ok to not be ok” I think is the most real thing I heard anyone ever say. The more people understand this concept, the better we can understand each other as people and build from there

  • Hugo T.
    03/05/2018 13:10

    !

  • Miriam C.
    03/05/2018 01:35

    Dios te bendiga.

  • Miriam C.
    03/05/2018 01:32

    Que se recupere pronto.

  • Eduviges Z.
    03/04/2018 18:44

    dilo en español no entiendo

  • Sreeny B.
    03/04/2018 02:22

    Danny D look-a-like 🤣

  • Simih I.
    03/03/2018 10:10

    Busy time Dead moment . Hard traning This is the fact . Sale the the hard situation for all heros as macheal phelps