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Michael Phelps is best known as an American swimmer and 23-time Olympic gold medalist. But did you know he’s also a big mental health advocate? He even recently partnered with digital mental health platform Talkspace to help others gain tools to better care for their own well-being. |
We recently scored the chance to chat with Phelps about his career, wellness journey, and new year goals. Without further ado, let’s dive in! Corny swimming pun intended.
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*This interview has been edited for length and clarity. |
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What type of physical and mental health goals are on your list this year? |
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A: One is staying in my routine. I have a tendency to interrupt people because I get so excited about what they're saying, so [another is to] listen more and try to not interrupt. I'm also trying to squat over 400 pounds. That's something that I fell short of last year. |
One thing that really breaks my heart is seeing the suicide rate continue to go up. I have an idea of what suicide looks like because I didn't want to be alive at one point. I'd love to be able to lower that [rate] in any way possible. It has to happen. There are so many people that are suffering, and suffering in similar ways as I am, so being able to teach, pass along knowledge that I've found, point somebody in a certain direction, or we can all help each other –– that’s so important to me moving forward. |
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On that note, you recently launched a campaign with Talkspace that focuses on five ways to improve mental well-being. Can you break down each of those ways for us? |
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A: Sleep: What are you doing before you go to [bed]? That's going to be the deciding factor of whether or not you get a good night's sleep. |
Move: This is something that's so important for me –– being able to move my muscles and get the blood flow going. |
Disconnect: Whether it’s meditating, sitting on the couch, lying down, or having a power nap, being able to have that kind of self-care, move away from the world, and get some quiet time. |
Breathe: It’s important to take a lot of deep breaths. Really being focused on your breathing can help so many other things that you’re doing. I talk a lot, so it’s hard for me to get a lot of breaths in. That’s something I'm still working on, on dry land. In the water, it’s a lot easier. |
Talk to somebody: I’m here right now because I asked for help. I didn’t know how to do it or what to do. When I did ask for help, I was able to learn a lot about myself. I felt more relaxed, my shoulders were lower, I could process things easier, and life became simpler. I was just able to be me in this overcomplicated world. I needed that. So for those out there who are struggling, you’re not alone. |
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What would you say to someone who’s not sure about reaching out for help? |
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A: I was just like you. I was hesitant and never wanted to reach out. I was like, “I don’t want to go sit on that leather couch and talk about myself.” But when I actually did it, I really felt like a different person. I felt like my authentic self again, and I’m thankful that I took that step. |
I became vulnerable to allow myself to get the help and care that I needed. I didn’t feel perfect every day. I felt kind of like I got ran over by a bus sometimes. [But] I still had to get up and do those things that I needed to allow me the chance to accomplish my goals. |
I will say, too, that I've had to get different therapists from time to time. Sometimes, one may not be a fit or a fit right now, and that’s OK. It’s not an issue if you’re jumping around. Everyone needs something different. There are so many therapists out there who want to help us. I know that it is difficult to ask for help at times, but it can save your life. |
Click here to read more of Phelps’ chat with the Healthline team.
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If you or a loved one are thinking about suicide or self-harm, please seek help. Call 988 or refer to this resource guide.
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