Michael Phelps sat down with Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb on the Today Show this morning to discuss his struggles with depression and mental health, his advice for teenage swimmers, and his parenting journey.
“Being able to open up the conversation about it I think is something that’s something that’s so important. You know, really trying to take the stigma away.” Phelps said in the clip below tweeted out by Today.
“Being able to open up the conversation about it I think is something that’s something that’s so important. You know, really trying to take the stigma away.” @MichaelPhelps talks mental health pic.twitter.com/WBrJacyJt3
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) October 25, 2018
Phelps engaged in conversation about his struggles with depression that occurred in Fall of 2014 after he was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, and crossing double lane lines. He went as far to say, “I was so down on myself. I didn’t have any self-love, and quite honestly I just didn’t want to be alive.”
“I was so down on myself. I didn’t have any self-love, and quite honestly I just didn’t want to be alive.” @MichaelPhelps talks about the difficult time in his life in Oct. 2014 pic.twitter.com/ky2gXOXHev
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) October 25, 2018
Among other topics of conversation, Phelps discussed his son Boomer’s attempts in the water claiming that, “his kick is unbelievable. It truly is insane to watch how fearless he is in the water.” Phelps followed that up by claiming no pressure in forcing Boomer to follow in his footsteps, ” if he wants to swim, cool. If not, whatever makes him happy.” In the clip below, you can see Phelps not only doing a dryland workout with Boomer, but even getting in the water and swimming.
“His kick is unbelievable. It truly is insane to watch how fearless he is in the water. If he wants to swim, cool. If not, whatever makes him happy.” @MichaelPhelps talks about his son, Boomer. pic.twitter.com/SCfcNwyofD
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) October 25, 2018
It wouldn’t be a complete Phelps interview without the question of a comeback coming up at the end. Once again Phelps squashed that saying, “I can never see myself getting back in. I could, but why? I don’t want to.”
“I can never see myself getting back in. I could, but why? I don’t want to.” @MichaelPhelps talks swimming pic.twitter.com/bWGMperbGZ
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) October 25, 2018
To watch the entire interview on Today.com click here.
He trains for 2028.
Michael you are an amazing man!!! I am 70 years old and didn’t start addressing my severe depression until I was 41 years old. I wish I had heard your statement (which is the most powerful I have ever heard in my lifetime) “That it is OK not to be OK.” as a young woman. I believe I would have reached out for help and felt safe doing it much sooner in my life. I know your pain all too well. With psychoanalysis four times a week for three and one half years and medication I live a pretty “normal” life. But I am always aware that depression is lurking; it is a daily battle. Thank you for being you.… Read more »
Cheer up soon .At 70 there is not that much time left .
mental health recovery is about much more than just cheering up.
It is a good step . It is like a happy baby , they do well because of positive feedback . Nobody wants to be with depressed ppl because they are depressing . Full Stop.
So things are better ? Good . So why go on & on about things in the past ?
Oh no reason. Just to to reach millions of people who respect him who might share similar struggles who can, in turn, identify with him and learn from his mistakes so that they might find help sooner and benefit from his “going on and on about things in the past” that oh by the way has turned into his purpose to raise awareness about depression. That’s why.
to give hope to others who are going through something similar and make it ok to seek help when they are struggling.
pretty cool if you ask me, the last thing i’d want him to do is stop talking about it.
Plus, he’s making money promoting mental health products so it’s his good for his bottom line to keep mental health part of his brand.
—“Being able to open up the conversation about it I think is something that’s something that’s so important. You know, really trying to take the stigma away.” Phelps said in the clip below tweeted out by Today.
I suppose what he means by “trying to take the stigma away” is silencing those voices in him that kept repeating it. Yes, thinking that is self-defeating.
Glad Phelps is having fun, being set for the real world.
Comeback? Maybe 2024. No reason for him to compete in 2020 – give him some time to get bored first.
Staying in good shape, continued pool workouts…but no comeback? Me thinks he’s holding out to the last possible time to drop a big announcement
Me thinks he’s enjoying life with his wife, kids, and likes to keep in shape because being in shape is cool.
Fit is the new rich.
I don’t disagree that staying in shape is great. However, usually staying in shape and still being the fastest/best in your sport don’t come hand-in-hand. Simply saying he can still compete at the highest level and win, and unlike a sport like football it isn’t taking a toll on his long term health, etc.
He’s been ridiculously active his entire life, at this point physical activity is a part of him. Speaking for myself, when things get super hectic outside the pool/gym and I have to miss my workouts for a few days, I get anxious and my focus declines in almost all other areas of my life. I love working out and it absolutely improves my quality of life. I’d imagine that when you’re rich and retired and not even 40, it’s pretty easy to find the time and energy to get in a decent workout.
I really was upset with him when he crossed the double lane lines
so glad that he’s found a passion outside of the pool and doing so much good in the mental health area.
That being said… just do the 200 IM and relays! but I dream…