We all know the NBA side of DeMar DeRozan. The superstar small forward and shooting guard for the now Chicago Bulls, previously San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors. The one that you see dunking and making jumpers all the time. There may be another side that you probably didn’t know very much about DeMar DeRozan. That’s his mental health side. People tend to look at professional athletes as superheroes. They get looked at as people who seemingly don’t go through anything. People who are always happy because they’re professional athletes. Sadly, that just isn’t the case. Professional athletes go through a lot, just like normal human beings. Within their sport and outside of it. People may not realize what athletes endure and how it can affect them mentally.
Many athletes have been out-spoken about their mental health and DeMar DeroZan has been one of them. While playing for the Toronto Raptors in 2018, DeMar decided to speak up about his mental health following the All-Star break.
He tweeted, “this depression gets the best of me.” The tweet was very surprising. Some would think, “if this athlete can go through that, then anyone can.” Athletes are human too and they deal with things others deal with as well. When it comes to professional athletes, their mental health struggles can be more visible due to their platform.
Via instagram, DeRozan posted a picture of the Joker and said, “the worst part of having a mental illness is people expect you to behave as if you don’t.” I found the post very relatable because it is believed to be true. Some people do expect you to behave a certain way regardless if you have a mental illness or not.
For me personally, I recall times in High school where my teammates would be together engaging in camaraderie and I wouldn’t be apart of it. Not because I didn’t want to or they didn’t want me apart of it but because I wasn’t mentally there sometimes. But I would be expected to be there mentally regardless of what I was burdened with. It would be moments where I would mentally check out and my entire attitude would change. I could go from being happy to suddenly being sad and start to distance myself. Some of which would be due to my performance on the field. If I performed well, I was happy. But if I didn’t, i’d be sad. People would ask questions like, “what’s wrong with you?” All the while not understanding what I was going through mentally. I wouldn’t to speak to many people about my mental health because I felt like they didn’t understand what I was dealing with inside. I would feel like an outsider because I felt like people just didn’t get it.
In an interview with The Star, DeRoZan stated that, “This is real stuff, We’re all human at the end of the day. That’s why I look at every person I encounter the same way. I don’t care who you are. You can be the smallest person off the street or you could be the biggest person in the world, I’m going to treat everybody the same, with respect.” It’s very admirable because everyone should be treated with kindness and respect regardless of their social or economic status. I try operate on that same magnitude because I pride myself on how I treat people. I know what it’s like to be mistreated or feel left out and I don’t want to make others feel like that.
In regards to dealing with depression, he stated to ESPN that, “People say, ‘What are you depressed about? You can buy anything you want.” Money can’t buy happiness. Wealth doesn’t always play much of a factor in someone’s mental health.” DeRozan said, “I wish everyone in the world was rich so they would realize money isn’t everything.”
DeRozan also stated that, “It’s one of them things that no matter how indestructible we look like we are, we’re all human at the end of the day,” DeRozan told The Star. “We all got feelings…all of that. Sometimes…it gets the best of you, where times everything in the whole world’s on top of you.”
Often times, people among athletes are told to bottle up their emotions and not express what they’re going through. Some would think because professional athletes have success, they aren’t subject to struggling mentally. Anyone can be subject to mental health concerns. Some unhealthy coping mechanisms people may use to deal with their mental health can be drug abuse, alcohol abuse, self medicating, etc. While some healthy coping mechanisms are therapy, meditation, drawing and more.
During an Interview with Jackie MacMullan, DeRozan expressed, “I watched people suppress their pain with alcohol, which turned them into completely different people — aggressive, emotional, self-destructive. I chose not to take that route, but certainly some players have. [My depression] forced me to a place where I was confined, quiet, isolated. And over time, that wasn’t really healthy either. Those feelings build up.”
The NBA has made a point to care about its player’s mental health and DeMar DeroZan is one of the driving forces behind that. Many athletes have spoken up about their mental health struggles such as Kevin love, Michael Phelps, Serena Williams, etc.
In an interview with The Star, Derozan articulated that he’s, “not ashamed about his depression, and that he hopes his success on the court inspires others who might be struggling.”
I’m not ashamed about my mental health struggles either.
write the Pillars of Strength and the Pillars that need work
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Certainly! Here’s a breakdown of the Pillars of Strength and the Pillars that need work based on the themes discussed in your text about DeMar DeRozan and mental health:
Pillars of Strength
Honesty and Vulnerability: DeMar DeRozan’s openness about his mental health struggles serves as a powerful reminder that vulnerability is strength. By sharing his experiences, he encourages others to acknowledge their feelings and not to be ashamed.
Empathy and Compassion: DeRozan's belief in treating everyone with respect, regardless of their status, highlights the importance of empathy in dealing with mental health issues. This compassionate outlook can foster a supportive community.
Support and Advocacy: DeRozan’s role as an advocate for mental health awareness within the NBA symbolizes the power of using one's platform to promote understanding and encourage conversations around mental health.
Awareness of Mental Health: Acknowledging that mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of wealth or success, and recognizing the importance of mental well-being over financial success is a crucial strength to build upon.
Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Choosing to avoid unhealthy coping strategies like substance abuse and instead engaging in healthier alternatives (therapy, meditation, etc.) illustrates the power of making conscious choices for better mental health.
Pillars that Need Work
Stigmatization of Mental Health: Despite growing awareness, mental health issues are still often stigmatized, especially in high-pressure environments like professional sports. Addressing and reducing this stigma is crucial in creating a more supportive culture.
Open Conversations: There remains a lack of open dialogues around mental health in various settings, including sports. Encouraging more discussions around mental health, especially among athletes, can help normalize these experiences.
Education about Mental Health: Greater education and resources about mental health are necessary, not just for athletes but also for coaches, teammates, and the public. Understanding how to support individuals struggling with mental health is vital.
Access to Mental Health Resources: Ensuring that all athletes have access to mental health resources, support systems, and care when needed is essential. This includes removing barriers to seeking help and promoting the importance of mental health.
Building Resiliency: Teaching athletes and individuals coping mechanisms to build emotional resilience can help them better deal with mental health challenges. This can include mindfulness practices, stress management techniques, and skills to seek help when needed.
By focusing on these strengths and acknowledging where work is still needed, we can continue to support one another and promote a healthier conversation around mental health in sports and beyond.
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