4 Inspiring Players Who Shared Their Mental Health Journey
Mental health is a very important topic that we should never stop talking about. It is still new to hear conversations about it, especially in the women’s soccer world, but we are glad that steps are being made. Many players started to speak up about their mental health journey in recent years. And we also appreciate those who are not ready yet to share their journey. Living with mental health issues is never easy, so we support anyone going through this battle, whether they are vocal about it or not!
Why Sharing is Hard
As much as we hate to say this, we must face the reality of how difficult it is for players to share their mental health journeys. As a soccer player, you are expected to appear tough all the time, and talking about your mental health is still surrounded by stigma.
It’s even more unfortunate that female soccer players face even more judgment. The stereotypes about women being emotional hurt many female players. It’s very possible that we don’t get the chance to hear many players sharing their journeys because of these stereotypes. So we are very grateful to all players who shared their mental health journey; you are inspiring.
Christen Press
Christen Press is one of the players who have been vocal about their mental health journey. In 2021, the USWNT forward announced taking a break from the game to prioritize her mental health; we 100% encourage that.
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Back then, Press shared the announcement on Instagram. She said that she wanted to focus on her “mental health, spiritual growth, and processing grief.” Press stated that she believes she “will come back stronger than ever.” She did exactly that!
Wendie Renard
France captain Wendie Renard recently announced that she was stepping away from the national team. This was because of tensions between Renard and former coach Corinne Diacre.
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“It’s a sad day but a necessary one to protect my mental health,” Renard wrote back then. She set a great example that your mental health matters no matter what is affecting it.
Abby Wambach
Another player that we can’t forget her words about her mental health journey is the retired USWNT player Abby Wambach. It has been years, specifically since 2017, since Wambach first shared her feelings and journey, and we still remember and appreciate her words!
“People are so uncomfortable talking about mental health because they can’t fix it. As soon as I started talking about it, I immediately felt like this is what I’ve been needing to do. The number one thing anyone should ever say to somebody is that they’re not alone,” she said in a video with Well Being Trust. Remember to say to those around you that they are not alone.
Cari Roccaro
The Chicago Red Stars’ Cari Roccaro has greatly impacted how the NWSL deals with mental health. In 2022, Roccaro’s continuous and unwavering advocacy helped secure unprecedented mental health policy in the NWSL.
This mental health policy allows players to receive up to six months of paid mental health leave. Roccaro’s efforts to advocate for mental health did not stop there. She also shares a podcast called Butterfly Road with fellow soccer player Ginny McGowan. The podcast discusses athletes’ mental health and the conversations around it. This is the kind of initiative that we need!
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The Journey Goes On
There are many more female soccer players who shared and keep sharing their mental health journey. Which is absolutely incredible since this journey must go on.
We will always be here to listen to players sharing their experiences and feelings. We also hope that with time, the conversations around mental health will increase, and the resources will develop. So remember to check on those around you. And yes, athletes are allowed to cry. We all are.
Featured image via Getty Images
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