Simone Biles' Brave Stand: Mental Health and Sports
Folks, when are we going to get to the point where we can just talk about mental illness? We can talk about substance use disorder. I mean if this would have happened to any other organ in her body, we would be talking about this differently if she'd have broken her foot, if she would have gotten sick, I mean any other way. But because it involved mental illness, she's called a cop out. She's called a quitter man.
When Simone Biles stepped back from several events at the Tokyo Olympics, she ignited a global conversation about mental health in sports. In this episode of The #RecoveryFirst Podcast, host Mike Todd dives deep into the stigma surrounding mental illness and the courage it takes to prioritize one's mental well-being.
Mike, who has his own experiences with PTSD and depression, is joined by guests who share their insights on how childhood trauma can impact mental health and the vital importance of self-care. The discussion doesn't stop there. The episode also explores the critical role of recovery housing for those battling substance use disorder. Mike and his guests highlight the challenges these recovery housing providers face and the essential support needed for individuals in recovery.
They delve into the power of advocacy and mentorship in helping people overcome addiction, stressing the importance of community support. One poignant moment in the episode is when Mike asks, "When will we reach a point where we can openly discuss mental illness just like any other health issue?" He draws a powerful comparison: if Simone had broken her foot or gotten physically sick, the reaction would have been different.
Instead, she was labeled a quitter because her struggle was with mental health. This episode is a call to action to end the stigma surrounding mental illness and to provide unwavering support for those in recovery. Tune in to hear these compelling discussions and join the movement towards a more understanding and supportive society.