“Being out here can be a lot. It can be lonely. Sorry if I get emotional. I said I wasn’t going to.” These words, spoken through tears by Lexi Thompson during her retirement press conference at the U.S. Women’s Open, echoed the emotional toll of her 17-year career. Despite her success, Thompson has faced unimaginable lows, including back-nine collapses and controversies that have taken a toll on her mental health.

Yet, her patience and dedication to her fans have remained steadfast, with countless autograph sessions and interactions with young girls that have become the stuff of legend—or at least, really great fan stories.

She also reflected on the scars that come with being a professional athlete, noting, “Words hurt. It’s hard to overcome sometimes.” It’s a reminder that even the toughest golfers are still human (and still feeling those harsh Twitter comments). Despite the challenges, Thompson’s down-to-earth nature has won over fans, who appreciate her resilience and kindness, and now she is reciprocating the support she has received by encouraging fans to seek help when needed.

While no official action was taken by the LPGA, Thompson’s emotional retirement remarks and repeated emphasis on the isolating nature of life on tour painted a picture of an athlete quietly worn down by the grind. Her reference to feeling “lonely” and the sustained pressure to deliver—despite not securing an LPGA win since 2019—suggest that the structure and intensity of professional golf may have indirectly pushed her toward her decision to scale back.

Lexi Thompson took to Instagram to remind her 600k followers that “It’s okay to not be okay and seek help; always remember that you are not alone.” She shared a post by therapist Jamie Nelson in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month on her story, which read, “Mental health is very very real. Sending love to all who are struggling.” Thompson’s message comes after her decision to step back from full-time professional golf, citing the mental and emotional toll of the sport. Her heartfelt post serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental health and getting help, whether it is your therapist, your friend, or, in Thompson’s case, her mom.

Recently, Thompson expressed her immense gratitude and love for her mom on Mother’s Day, sharing a heartwarming tribute that melted hearts. “Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there, but especially to my best friend and my biggest role model. So thankful for you every single day ❤️ I love you, Mom!” she captioned a sweet photo of the two smiling together.

Well, unfortunately, Thompson is not the only female golfer who has had to fight against her declining mental health.

Lexi Thompson isn’t the only one who struggles with mental health

Paige Spiranac knows the dark side of perfectionism all too well. As a professional golfer turned social media influencer, she’s been open about her struggles with depression and anxiety. “I was also very depressed and struggled with a ton of anxiety,” she revealed, describing her younger days. Her experiences have given her a unique perspective, and she’s now on a mission to help the next generation of golfers avoid the same pitfalls. Spiranac advises young golfers to ditch the pursuit of perfection and focus on having fun. “Stop seeking a perfect swing and start playing,” she says, encouraging them to build a support system and learn to cope with failure.

Spiranac’s own journey with mental health has been a long and difficult one. She struggled with the pressure of competition, often finding herself scoring well in practice rounds but faltering under stress in actual tournaments. “I just can never allow myself to compete… And let go of the stress and pressure that comes with competition,” she said. Having faced her own demons, Spiranac is determined to make a difference. She wants young golfers to view the game as a source of joy rather than a source of stress. By sharing her story, she’s hoping to inspire a more positive and supportive community in the world of golf. What do you think about Spiranac’s message? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!