Consider six-time Olympic medalist, Allison Schmitt:
“With encouragement from coaches and teammates, Schmitt has come to think of therapy sessions like any other doctor’s appointments. Working on her mental health is no more embarrassing than rehabilitating a sore knee.”
And, of course, Michael Phelps:
“Regardless of how life experiences, genetic predispositions, and random events mixed together to create the emotional pain that lead Michael Phelps to drink too much and drive too fast, we know that the result was nearly catastrophic — and most likely avoidable. And isn’t it ironic that had he suffered from a physical injury or condition that in any way threatened his ability to compete, an entire team of world-class experts would have been at his disposal to address his physical pain.”
And actress Kristen Bell:
“Mental health check-ins should be as routine as going to the doctor or the dentist. After all, I’ll see the doctor if I have the sniffles. If you tell a friend that you are sick, his first response is likely, ‘You should get that checked out by a doctor.’ Yet if you tell a friend you’re feeling depressed, he will be scared or reluctant to give you that same advice. You know what? I’m over it.”
Addendum (2/8/2017): Megan Jones Bell:
“I want the culture to treat mental health like physical health. You are not embarrassed to say you are eating a salad, or going on a run or to yoga.”
