Michael Phelps opens up about his struggles with mental health | Outside the Lines

Decorated Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps sits down with Jeremy Schaap on Outside the Lines to share his journey with depression and discusses the impact of other athletes coming forward with stories of their own struggles with mental health.
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25 Comments

  1. Not to sound mean but we recognize depression in our country today, but Phelps says he's depressed because he's not in the limelight anymore, people have bigger problems than that, he should be glad that he accomplished such a great feat. It just seems that he's looking for attention, I in no way would bash a person that has depression but people have bigger problems than not being acknowledged.

  2. Thank you for talking. I’m also a swimmer but not a professional one like you are. You are a real professional and an amazing athlete.
    I used to swim 12 km a day. It was easy compared to what I felt when I was depressed. The most darkest mental state I ever had. I kept saying to myself “what could be harder than swimming 12 km a day? So I’m gonna get over this darkness and it ll be better because I remember that I felt good before”. It kept me going. I came out of it eventually.

  3. This is the most effective video I am showing others to explain to them that my ADHD is not about being lazy. If Michael Phelps struggles with ADHD, and suffers from self esteem issues and self worth after 18 gold medals, then others can understand this is a lifelong disorder that we can work through, but understand we are harder on ourselves than it may appear and the anxiety and depression it causes can be the end of our lives, it was close to have been mine.

  4. It’s tough to open up but it’s important to be truthful and talk. We all can find hope peace and joy in Jesus Christ our savior who died on the cross for our sins but rose on the 3rd day.

  5. Jesus Christ is the answer for famous athletes, as well as for ordinary people like me. He loves you and your family, Michael. I pray that you will find the peace and joy that only He can give!

  6. I just saw Michael Phelps on NBC talking about his mental issues and he pretty much implied he has contemplated ending his existence here on earth and I’m finding that hard to believe. If I’m looking up at 23 Gold Medals 🏅 on my wall I think that would probably bring my moral up a little bit. Michael could probably walk down the street anywhere in Baltimore and pick his lady of choice to go home with. I’m not saying Phelps is lying to us I’m just saying I’m very surprised. Nonetheless thank you for being candid Michael Phelps it’s refreshing.

  7. Things don't happen to us, they happen for us. I am not responsible for what I think I am responsible for what I do about it.
    I am 80 years old and my children have never seem me use drugs or alcohol "YET"

  8. I m battling with depression now. I think other people can't understand this feeling they make joke of it but I can say definitely, it can kill. I need some one who can understand me, help me but in such vast population of world I m unable to find a single person.

  9. This amazing and touching at the same time. Here is arguably the greatest Olympian ever and he is lacking self-esteem and confidence. Just shows mental issues can affect anyone.

  10. I'm a very simple french guy suffering of the same health issues. Thanks Michael for talking for us. God blesss you. Most of the people don't understand what we are going through. The perpetual pain…. The only thing that stopped me of doing the crazy thing is my kids. I love them so much.

  11. He's truly the best swimmer ever, displaying incredible skill and humility in everything he does. I'm sincerely sorry about what happened to you and I genuinely hope that you're doing much better today.