Naomi Osaka pulled out of the French Open, the world’s highest-paid female athlete, citing mental wellness struggles for her withdrawal.

Approximately 46.6 million people live with mental wellness issues in the U.S. That’s 1 in 5 adults who will be living with a mental health condition at some point in their lives.

In a statement posted to her Instagram, the 23-year-old Japanese pro tennis player said dropping out from the high-profile event was “the best thing for the tournament, the other players, and my well-being.”

Some people may feel she should have withdrawn from the tournament before it began, but I applaud her. I think society never empowers people to set boundaries, and when you do, there’s backlash.

I have been feeling stressed, anxious, and even angry over the last few weeks. Several project deadlines are tripping over each other on top of my full-time job. Thankfully, my boyfriend and I spent Memorial Day weekend with friends in Southampton. It rained every day, but we had a great time playing board games and just talking. It was so helpful.

Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam winner, revealed that she’s suffered from “long bouts of depression” since the U.S. Open in 2018. She has had “a really hard time coping with that.”

“Anyone that knows me knows I’m introverted, and anyone that has seen me at tournaments will notice that I’m often wearing headphones as that helps my social anxiety,” Osaka wrote.

“So here in Paris, I was already feeling vulnerable and anxious, so I thought it was better to exercise self-care and skip the press conferences,” she added.

Research has shown that the benefits of exercise can boost moods and improve overall mental health. However, playing sports does not make athletes immune to mental health challenges.

33% of all college students experience significant symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. Among that group, 30% seek help. But of college athletes with mental health conditions, only 10% do.  Among professional athletes, data shows that up to 35% of elite athletes suffer from a mental health crisis that may manifest as stress, eating disorders, burnout, or depression and anxiety. We’re inspired by athletes such as Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps,  USC Volleyball player Victoria Garrick, NBA player Kevin Love and those who are telling their stories and inspiring others to seek help to support the cause.

What is Depression?

Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act.  Depression is a serious medical illness affecting an estimated 15 million American adults. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.

Diabetes & Depression

If you have diabetes — either type 1 or type 2 — you have an increased risk of developing depression. And if you’re depressed, you may have a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes. Again, the good news is that diabetes and depression can be treated together

According to the Rexulti website, symptoms of depression may last for 2 weeks or more, occurring nearly every day.

Symptoms of Depression may include:

• A depressed mood most of the day (feeling sad, empty, hopeless, or on the verge of tears)
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed
• Weight loss (even when not on a diet) or experiencing weight gain
• Decreases or increases in appetite
• Difficulty sleeping or being overly tired
• Restlessness or feeling slowed down
• Fatigue or a loss of energy
• Feeling worthless or guilty
• A lack of concentration or difficulty with decision making
• Thoughts of death or suicide

“I’m gonna take some time away from the court now, but when the time is right I really want to work with the Tour to discuss ways we can make things better for the players, press and fans,” Osaka wrote.

If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can also text HOME to 741-741 for free, 24-hour support from the Crisis Text Line. Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention for a database of resources.

Tune in to the latest edition of Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast mixing music with diabetes information.

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