Even though it should be an everyday discussion, mental health receives extra attention on one particular day every year. October 10 is celebrated as World Mental Health Day, and many celebrities open up to create awareness about mental well-being. Swimming legend Michael Phelps also gave insight into how therapy helped him become a better version of himself.

The renowned swimmer Michael Phelps holds the record for the world’s most Olympic victories. He has won a total of 28 medals, including 23 gold medals. Phelps believes that the roadblocks he faced and overcame are what made him successful today.

Michael Phelps on World Mental Health Day

In a recent Instagram post, Michael Phelps shared the importance of therapy and educating oneself about anxiety and depression. He wrote, “But taking the step to seek help and open up about my thoughts and feelings with a therapist allowed me to understand my mental health more clearly.”

Michael Phelps faced highs and lows in his personal and professional life. He made the mistake of knowingly burying his feelings of anxiety and depression deep within himself. Therapy made him aware of those mistakes, and he quoted, “It [therapy] also helped me to be a better father, husband, son, friend, and ultimately a better version of myself.“

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Phelps’ struggles with mental health

Michael Phelps started facing mental health issues at a very young age. In school, he enjoyed being the center of attention and a troublemaker. In sixth grade, he was diagnosed with ADHD. ADHD let him discover his true talent for swimming when he spent hours at the pool without fidgeting. But this was not the end of his struggles with mental health. 

On World Mental Health Day, Relive Michael Phelps’ Iconic Plea to Support Struggling People- “I Can Save a Life”

Phelps has always been open about his mental health, especially when he faced anxiety and depression. In 2014, Phelps was arrested for the second time for DUI. The USA Swimming suspended him for a year, claiming he did not want to be alive anymore.

He revealed that when he spent his time in therapy and rehab, he made many discoveries about himself. One of these discoveries was that he thought of himself as an athlete, not a human. 

WATCH THIS STORY: Swimming Legend Michael Phelps Stood Beside Gymnastics GOAT Simone Biles During Her Worst

It made Phelps aware of a lot of stuff that he already knew but never addressed. Let us know your take on mental health in the comments!