Mental health and the NFL

According to the World Health Organization, one in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. Around 450 million people currently suffer from such conditions, placing mental disorders among the leading causes of ill-health and disability worldwide. 

With such a staggering number of people being impacted by mental health issues, many people still find it surprising to see professional athletes admit to suffering from such disorders. 

In the lead up to training camp, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon took time away from his team to work on his mental and emotional health. Gordon has had disciplinary issues in the past for drug use and has openly admitted to using to deal with his mental health problems and anxiety. While his teammates were supportive of Gordon's decision, many people speculated the worst about his motivation. Could it be as simple as needing to take care of oneself mentally?

Seahawks wide receiver Brandon Marshall has been open about his own struggles with borderline personality disorder since 2011. He has been an outspoken advocate of mental health treatment and the need for support from players, coaches and the league as a whole. This has garnered both praise and misunderstanding around the league. Mental health is a lot harder to accept and understand than a broken wrist or torn ACL. 

Recently NFL Network's Steve Smith came out and admitted to his own battle with depression during his playing career. Many called his decision to speak out on his battle with mental health brave, but should it be brave to take care of ones mental health? Shouldn't it be just as accepted as taking care of ones physical well being?

We like our athletes to be physically fit and capable. We want them to be demigods without human failings, but athletes are just humans who suffer all the same human frailties as other human beings. This includes the need for mental and emotional support. 

In May of this year the NFL and the NFLPA held a joint symposium on mental health. The league partnered with Cigna to try to find ways to support their players as they sought treatment for mental health issues. One player, however, found the league's discussions as more punitive than supportive.

Cowboys troubled defensive end Randy Gregory has been critical of the league's attempts at addressing mental health. Gregory, who suffers from bipolar disorder has run afoul of the league several times for drug use which he is said to use for his condition. The league should focus on mental health and the treatments for it as much as it focuses on substance abuse and the punishments for it. Many players need counseling and treatment for their mental health and addiction issues not just punishment.

Mental health in the general population is a taboo subject. For athletes it is even more difficult to discuss a need for help with depression, anxiety and other neurological and mental disorders. The shame and secrecy need to be removed so that someone seeking treatment isn't ostracized or criticized or even considered brave for speaking out on  their need to take care of themselves mentally and emotionally. The league should provide as much support to a player seeking mental health treatment as they do a player seeking treatment for physical injuries. If we can accept that a player needs rehab and medication for a broken fibula we can accept that a player needs counseling and medication for their mental well being too.