Michael Phelps has 28 Olympic medals in his kitty. His success in the professional world truly shines like gold. But he is a fighter and winner in multiple pursuits off the pool as well. He has been a child who competed with ADHD. Even as an adult, he battled against mental health crisis and came out victorious.

However, at one point, he also decided to give up on his dream of living as he suffered anxiety and depression along with ADHD. However, he did not lose hope and overcame the darkest phase of his life. Therefore, Phelps shares being part of a step to transform the lives of children in high school. 

Michael Phelps hails mental well-being initiative

Baltimore County Public Schools will provide free access to Talkspace for children above 13 years of age. Having struggled with mental health issues through different phases of his life, this probably led Michael Phelps to recall his time as a high school boy. Therefore, with much elation, he took to his Instagram and penned, “I’m really excited to share that Baltimore County Public Schools is giving high school students ages 13+ access to @Talkspace for free. Having grown up in Baltimore County schools, this hits home for me. I think about my years at Towson High School at the peak of my swim training.”

He also talked about his days as a school student, and how he struggled to keep up with studies and peer pressure and did not get any help of this sort. This was something that he got only during his graduation days. Comparing his situation, he expressed happiness, “I’m proud to see @teambcps stepping up in such an impactful way. It makes me hopeful for the next generation as we equip them with mental health skills and resources.” Within moments of posting it, fans started flooding the comments section.

What do Phelps’ fans have to say?

While many fans hailed the step taken by BCPS, others lauded Michael Phelps for his brave face against mental health struggles. Laura ziesel commented, “Thanks from another former Hopkins Rd resident!.” litman4 wrote, “Thank you for being an amazing LOCAL partner and not forgetting about Baltimore County.”

Another fan Morrozco717, appreciating the free Talkspace, said, “I feel so Blessed to be able to provide this for my daughter. We have insurance, and the copay isn’t the best, but it’s doable, and she has someone who she connects with and trusts. I often think about those students who need it and have no way of being able to afford it. What a wonderful opportunity for the students in Baltimore County.” 

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hstreicher commented, “This is incredible. As a mom of a high school swimmer with anxiety and high expectations of herself, this would be a God send!” On the other hand, another fan said, “You Walked through Fire“. Overall, Michael Phelps is not only transforming the swimming world but inspiring the entire society.

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