Mental health issues—our own great Simone Biles amplified mental health at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo! So far this year in Paris, she has won three medals and will win more, I’m sure. She has won a total of ten medal—seven gold medals. So many people criticized her for her choice in 2020, but I admire her for raising the level of awareness about mental health in the world. I have had my own personal experiences I would like to share and then I will update you on dog attack.
2020 Olympics in Tokyo
During the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, with the world’s eyes on Simone Biles, she made an unorthodox choice—she dropped out of the competition after experiencing “twisties” in the first event she competed in.
“When Biles stepped down from the vaulting podium after getting lost while attempting a two-and-a-half twisting vault in the women’s team final, she knew she couldn’t keep competing.
She had a case of the ‘twisties’ – where a gymnast’s mind and body fall out of sync.”
https://olympics.com/en/news/simone-biles-bravest-act-choosing-herself
In Tokyo, Simone later rejoined the competition, and the USA women’s gymnastic team went on to win the silver medal as a team, and Suni Lee stopped up and filled the gap and earned the gold medal in the women’s all-around. Many wondered about the future of Simone in professional gymnastics—some said horrible things about her, but she worked hard.
2024 Olympics in Paris
After four years of self-care and training, Simone has taken Paris by storm on her “Redemption Tour.” In 2023, she has married Jonathan Owens, a professional football player for the Chicago Bears. Just look at her now—she’s glowing! She has won three gold medals this Olympics and has the possibility of two more on Monday. Obviously, the choice she made in 2020 was the right one. Her emphasis on mental health encouraged other sports stars to share their personal struggles with mental health issues, making them more authentic!
Simone, A Mental Health Heroine
When Simone decided to take care of herself above all else, she became a major heroine to me. I have done a variety of therapy in my life and know that I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t. In recovery, we call that “self-care”—taking care of yourself ahead of everyone else. If I’m wounded and haven’t healed, in so many ways I have nothing to offer a relationship or the world. Yes, it’s scary to make that first call, to walk through that door and sit down, to open up about your deepest, darkest secrets. Doing this has given me the life I have today, a life I couldn’t have imagined.
Struggling with Mental Health Issues?
So many people choose not make that first call for a variety of reasons. But if life is crushing in on you right now, don’t hesitate. There are so many options today, especially with the internet tool, Zoom! Take a breath and look deep—self-care can save your life!
Finally, Lin and I have sat here and cheered our USA athletes on. This afternoon, we screamed and hollered when Noah Lyles won the 100-meter race by such a close call. Because of my injury, I’ve been a captive audience but I love it. We celebrated all of Simone Biles’ victories. My parents loved the Olympics, so I was raised in a family who watched them faithfully. Over the years, I’ve gotten too busy sometimes, but this year has ignited a deep passion in me again for them.
Thank you, Simone, for having the courage to step away in 2020, for expressing your deep concerns about your personal needs and for letting the world know it’s okay to seek help for mental health issues and to heal.
Dog Attack Update
On Friday, I had the stitches taken out, and it hurt. Lin kept preparing me for it by saying it wouldn’t hurt. Then when he was holding my hand as the stitches came out, he said, “I lied!” The doctor did a close examination of the wound and showed Lin what she saw as an optimistic sign I might not need a skin graft. I have an appointment August 15 with the Wound Clinic and they will decide there about the skin graft.
I continue to have swelling if I’m on my feet for any time. The pain continues, and the nerve sensations and pain attacks come and go with no predictability. And I continue to cry!
Check out my recent interview at Southwest Writers.
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