Athletes open up about their struggles with mental health and stigma.

"Everyone is going through something that we can't see."

In an article from earlier this year, Kevin Love, a power forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers (and Portland-area native), opened up about his mental health issues.  He talked about his experience in therapy and the reasons why he avoided it for so long.

"I wanted to share that story because of how eye-opening it was to talk about it. In the short time I’ve been meeting with the therapist, I’ve seen the power of saying things out loud in a setting like that." 

You can read the article by clicking here.

Kevin Love was motivated to open up by another NBA player, DeMar DeRozan, who went public with his own struggles with depression.  Like Kevin Love, his disclosure helped fans feel safe to open up about their own experience and was met with a flood of support.

Click here to read about DeMar DeRozan's story.

For every person who shares their struggle, there are 1 or 2 who don't.  For many of them, holding onto their secret is lonely and overwhelming.  By being open, people can shed some of their burden and invite others to do so as well.  One way to do this is to join a support group.  

For online support:

PsychCentral
Mental Health America

For support groups that meet in your area:

PDX Support Groups