Naomi Osaka: No to Tennis. Yes to Mental Health

Tennis star Naomi Osaka has been battling depression. She stated publicly, "The truth is that I have suffered long bouts of depression since the US Open in 2018 and I have had a really hard time coping with that.” This week, she withdrew from The French Open, one of the four “majors” (tennis’ biggest tournaments), because of the required press conferences. She explained that the interviews with the press before and after the matches are a major source of anxiety and can cause her to spiral further into depression. She believes there is a disregard for the players’ mental health during these press conferences. She wrote, “I would never trivialize mental health or use the term lightly.”

Osaka withdrew graciously, writing to the French Open to apologize and stating her willingness to speak to officials from that tournament or the professional tennis tour to explain her actions and to explore ways to make things better. Even still, Naomi has faced criticism for withdrawing from such a prominent tournament.

I applaud Naomi Osaka’s courage in going public with her battle with depression. I remember when I first opened up and shared that I was struggling with depression. It’s a not easy but critically important step to take.

And I am amazed at Naomi’s wisdom – at only 23 years old! – in prioritizing her mental health. Too many of us struggle silently and we’re just not willing to do what’s necessary to find healing and achieve mental health.

In fact, Naomi’s decision led me to wonder: What would this look like for you? She said no to tennis; what would you have to say no to? She said yes to mental health; what do you need to say yes to? It might be:

·      Saying yes to being open and honest about your mental health struggles with a trusted friend or family member.

·      Saying yes to relaxation, meditation, and prayer. Taking time to unwind in quiet reflection or prayer has proven benefits for your overall mental health. Journaling, hiking, spending time on a hobby or doing yoga are just a few ideas to get you started.

·      Saying yes to healthy boundaries. The right boundaries are so important, whether it’s your work/life balance, the busyness of your family’s schedule or developing healthier relationships.

·      Saying yes to exercise. I wish it wasn’t true because I hate to work out, but the fact is that exercise helps. You don’t have to run a marathon; even regularly scheduled walks can do wonders for your mental health.

·      Saying yes to counseling. Having a trained, compassionate professional to walk with you through your mental health issues is huge. A counselor can help you understand why you feel depressed, give you hope for your future, and provide a path – actual steps to take – to get there.

At the Renewing Life Center, we have caring counselors who would love to help you find healing and a way forward. You can move past your depression, anxiety, worries and fears, and we are here to help you. Click here to make an appointment.