Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka said admitting to herself that she wasn’t okay was a big step and added that it takes more strength to speak up about mental health than to stay quiet.
12 months ago at the French Open, Osaka admitted to battling depression and anxiety.
Now, Osaka is known as one of the biggest advocates for athletes’ mental health.
“I think all of us athletes can relate to feeling pressure, not only from the outside world, but the pressure we also place on ourselves. As an athlete, strength is key to how you are perceived, so for me admitting I wasn’t always okay was a big step. The good thing is that I learned after speaking up that not only was I not alone, but admitting I needed a break meant I was not weak. In fact, it takes more strength to speak up than to stay quiet,” Osaka told Harper’s Bazaar, per Sportskeeda.
Osaka: I’m in a better place now
After the Indian Wells incident, Osaka started talking to a therapist.
“This year, I am in a different state for sure. While I may not always feel 100 percent, I am able to voice feelings,” Osaka said.
Osaka is often praised for speaking openly about her mental health struggles as many believe that having a celebrity like Osaka talking about those issues can help others who are going something similar to open up.
“I remember after I got back from France last year and having photographers follow me even at random places like the grocery store. It felt really odd and a bit overwhelming, until one day a woman came up to me and told me that by speaking up, I helped her son. At that moment, it did all feel worthwhile. While fame can be overwhelming, there is so much good that has come out of it for me,” Osaka said.