The Mind Over Money

In recent news Naomi Osaka took a bold stand against the French Open in order to preserve her mental health. After being fined $15,000 for declining post match interviews due to her struggle with depression and anxiety, she opted to pull out of the competition entirely. She faced negative back lash from the French Open and other tennis organizations. Some sports analysts even stated it’s her job to do what she is told with in the sports profession, despite how it affects her mental health. Naomi is not the first public figure to come out and share their struggle with mental health and receive harsh criticism for choosing to protect their peace over their image. Money is simply not more valuable than a healthy mind.

The big question is, why is it so hard for many individuals and corporations to empathize with mental health? As a mental health professional I believe this stems from the fact that we can’t physically see mental health conditions majority of the time and society struggles to understand things that are not fully tangible. Secondly, movies and some media have circulated unrealistic and over dramatized versions of what it looks like to struggle from mental illness. It’s clear that if Naomi had busted a knee or shoulder many could visually see her injuries and perhaps could empathize with her easier.

In 2021 negative stigmas and miseducation about mental illness still exist. Mental health does not have a definitive “look”. Anyone can be struggling at any given time. Public figures and the general public who suffer from one or more mental health diagnoses often have to “push through” and put on a “game face” to fulfill their obligations as they struggle inside. So the next question is, when are individuals allowed to draw the line? When can one say, look, I need a minute to get myself together?

To the same degree, parents and caregivers often have to “muscle through” their mental struggles to provide and support those around them. Self neglect and ignoring self care takes a toll on every individual. The mind and the body are connected. If your mental health remains secondary to everything and everyone around you, eventually your physical health will begin to struggle as well. Just like it is recommended to get check ups and physicals for the body, your mental health should be monitored and taken just as seriously. Our mind controls our actions and feelings, if our mental state declines eventually so will everything else.

There are several key lessons to be learned from the Osaka story and the many other celebrities and athletes who have shared their stories with the public.

1. Money is not more valuable than mental health. Sometimes you have to set a boundary and step away to preserve or revitalize your mind body and spirit.

2. Mental health struggles can affect anyone of any socioeconomic status, gender, and race. Diagnosis do not discriminate between rich poor, black white, male female, etc.

3. Do not live in shame with your struggles. Seek help. You are not alone.

4. Having a mental health diagnosis does not mean you can’t function at the highest level possible for you. With the right treatment and support your possibilities are limitless. Despite her mental struggles Osaka is still one of the top tennis players in the world.

Do your research and find the right type of positive interventions for you. Be open to all the support you can get. Remember the ultimate goal is not perfection but stability. Feel free to check out my other post on how to select a provider and the importance of therapy. https://rozescorner.wixsite.com/rozescorner/post/the-benefits-of-therapy .

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