I think, for many people, it’s a lack of understanding about mental health issues – the lack of understanding of the very same things you commented on. So, if you have problems, then you’re “crazy.” If you can’t pull it together, then you’re “weak.” That general lack of understanding then makes it easy for them to assume athletes – these big, strong people they’ve put on pedestals – are immune to such things as craziness and weakness.

This blog might make people think otherwise, haha, but I don’t expect any celebrity to come forward about anything that is his or her own business; however, when I hear about those who have made the decision to speak out, I applaud them – so I’m applauding Ian Snell! Do you know anything else about the circumstances? Has Snell sought treatment or commented on anything specific?

It’s odd to me that people think professional athletes should not be vulnerable to mental illness. First of all, there’s a fairly strong genetic component to many mental illnesses and your genes rarely care about your chosen profession. Secondly, it’s all relative. Most folks in the US are better off that folks in war torn and third world nations…does that mean US citizens should not be vulnerable to mental illness? Of course not. Your relative social standing is only one variable amongst many that determine vulnerability.

Once again, your blog shows how celebrities and mass media offer psychologists an effective medium through which to correct widely held misperceptions. I may end up writing about this topic on PBB tomorrow – if I do, I’ll certainly be linking to this post!

http://www.psychotherapybrownbag.com/

@ John – I take it you didn’t read either article.

What a great article. Who woulda’ thought?