In the great commotion that makes the world of sports what it is, we often lose sight of what sports represents. Though feats of athletic ability give us a reason to walk through the gates for the price of admission, we as humans all leave the same, back to our lives. Indeed, sports is an escape for many, but what about those who struggle to escape their trials and tribulations? Yes, I’m speaking to those who struggle with mental health. What can someone struggling every day possibly take from sports? Its very nature: it’s not over, and you can come back, even if you’re down on the cards. Tyson Fury, the lineal heavyweight boxing champion of the world, recently made a comeback from the depths of depression and anxiety to regain his status as a current, active champion. His new mission? To inspire, motivate, and help those who struggle with mental health issues. You may not realize it just yet, but like so many other areas of public life, the stigmas around mental health are fading, and awareness is arriving with mental health in sports. It’s something to keep a close eye on, that’s for certain.
Image from Total Shape
Darien Johnsen is a UFV alumni who obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree with double extended minors in Global Development Studies and Sociology in 2020. She started writing for The Cascade in 2018, taking on the role of features editor shortly after.
She’s passionate about justice, sustainable development, and education.
