6 minute read
Editor's Corner - Beneath the Surface: Unseen Struggles with Mental Health
By Shira Firestone, Managing Editor CJN
When you hear the name Simone Biles, the first image your mind conjures up may be one of an Olympic gold medalist, whose athleticism, grace, and skill set her apart from other athletes and leaves audiences in awe. Winning 11 Olympic medals, including seven gold, Simone Biles captivates audiences and performs to thunderous applause.
Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all time, with 28 Olympic medals. You may remember watching the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where his performance was described by many as one of the most memorable in Olympic history.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is recognized as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, holding multiple championships, including being a 10-time world champion and the first African-American WWE champion. Transitioning into acting and business, Dwayne Johnson is one of the highest-grossing and highest-paid actors globally, with his films grossing over $10.5 billion worldwide.
When you think of these celebrities, you might first think of talent and success. However, despite their public success, what they are lesser known for is their transparency about their own mental health issues and public advocacy for mental health awareness and treatment.
Simone pulled out of the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 to prioritize her mental health. She has since become a prominent advocate for mental health awareness in sports, inspiring others to recognize the importance of mental well-being.
Michael Phelps uses his platform in public speaking engagements and with the media to advocate for mental health. He served as an executive producer for the HBO Sports documentary “The Weight of Gold,” which explores the mental health challenges faced by Olympians. He added another award to his long list of accomplishments when he received the Morton E. Ruderman Award in Inclusion for his efforts to share his story and raise awareness of mental health issues.
Dwayne Johnson suffered from multiple episodes of serious depression, though he didn’t recognize it as such at the time and acknowledged the stigma for men around talking about their mental health struggles. He’s spoken candidly about his mother’s suicide attempt and he now speaks openly and encourages others to seek help.
And then there are those whose struggles remained hidden until it was too late. Robin Williams, beloved for his comedic genius and profoundly versatile acting, had long struggled with addiction and depression. These challenges were tragically exacerbated by undiagnosed Lewy body dementia, a condition that contributed to his taking his own life, shocking the world. His death was a stark reminder that even those who bring joy to millions can be struggling underneath the laughter. Similarly, Stephen “Twitch” Boss, known for his infectious energy on “So You Think You Can Dance” and as Ellen DeGeneres’s DJ, left many in disbelief when he also died by suicide. Just three days prior he and his wife posted on social media one of their popular, cheerful, energetic, dance videos. The public personas of these individuals masked the pain they were enduring, underscoring the reality that mental health struggles can be invisible.
Figures like Simone Biles, Michael Phelps, and Dwayne Johnson use their platforms to talk about their own struggles. That they might not fit our image of what someone with depression or mental health issues “looks” like is precisely why their transparency is so important. It reminds us that the face of depression can look like anything. For those with “high-functioning” depression, those around them may never know. They show up to work, they smile and go to parties, and carry out their daily responsibilities without a hint of what they are enduring. Though you might not suspect it, it might be your parent; it might be your co-worker. It might be you.
While high-functioning depression often goes unnoticed, recent events have introduced a new set of challenges we should be mindful of. Even if you or those around you haven’t struggled with mental health issues before, the events of October 7 and their aftermath have left many more vulnerable to depression and anxiety. For some, this is a new and unfamiliar challenge, and they may be slow to recognize the signs. For others who were already struggling, their symptoms may have intensified, making this a particularly difficult time.
A recent study on the mental health impact of the October 7 terror attack reports that close to a third of the Israeli population suffers from probable PTSD, and close to half suffer from probable depression and anxiety — a sobering yet understandable statistic.
The impact of October 7 has rippled far beyond Israel’s borders, affecting many in our own community with a new, pervasive sense of anxiety and isolation. Even those who have not struggled with mental health issues before may find themselves grappling with unfamiliar emotions and experiences. It’s important to recognize that these feelings, whether they manifest as subtle changes or more severe symptoms, deserve attention and care.
In times like these, seeking help should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but rather as a proactive step toward maintaining our mental well-being. You may not label what you’re feeling as depression or anxiety, but that doesn’t mean you’re not in need of support. By reaching out, whether to a professional, a friend, family member or a community resource, you can prevent yourself or others from slipping into deeper distress. We may not always recognize the signs in ourselves or those around us, but by being vigilant and compassionate, we can create a safety net that catches us before we fall too far.
As Dwayne Johnson said, “If you’re going through your own version of mental wellness turning into mental hell-ness, the most important thing you can do is talk to somebody. Having the courage to talk to someone is your superpower.”
Now, more than ever, we need to lean on each other, to be open about our struggles, and to encourage one another to seek the support we need. In doing so, we may not only safeguard our own mental health but also save lives. Please read the article by Jewish Family Services on page 9, “Talk Away the Dark: JFS Highlights Suicide Prevention Month.” For more information or professional help, contact Jewish Family Services at (704) 364-6594 or email info@jfscharlotte.org. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Shira
