Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown revealed and gave a very important message about his struggles with mental health over the years during media day at the Super Bowl. It was a very powerful message and a reminder to those who suffer from those issues to never give up and that there is help out there available for those who need it.
A.J. Brown’s Message to Those Dealing With Mental Health Issues
Brown’s message was clear: if you need help, talk to someone.
“Reach out to someone. Don’t be afraid to seek help because somebody was there for me… keep going, keep moving…don’t be so hard on yourself,” he said.
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Four years ago, Brown opened up about his struggles with mental health. He was 24 at the time when he talked about his depression and thoughts of suicide in a video that was later shared by ESPN.
“I posted the video because I wanted to encourage others to seek help whenever they are down,” he said.
“I didn’t take into consideration what depression really was. I grew [up] just brushing off my feelings, and this got the best of me. I just wanted to put out a positive message that I’m still here. I’m growing, I’m blessed, and have a lot to be thankful for.”
Brown said it was New York Jets wide receiver Elijah Moore who was there for him during his darkest hour. The two were friends and teammates at Ole Miss.
Brown also said he goes to therapy as well and talked about how men need to do a better job of taking care of their mental health and not be ashamed to seek help.
“Us as men, our feelings aren’t too much cared about,” Brown said. “Get things off your chest. It’s OK to talk to someone. Seek help. You have to take care of your brain just like you take care of your body.”
It has been documented throughout the years that there is a shame attached to men who suffer from mental illness.
The American Psychological Association said Black men who suffer more from mental illness than any other group of men have several contributing factors that include social economic issues, racism, and post-traumatic stress syndrome.
Groups like the APA are trying to do a better job of adjusting Black male’s mental health.
“Effectively addressing the mental health of Black men and boys requires innovative solutions that are grounded in an understanding of the many issues affecting men’s health, informed by scientific rigor and data, and driven by the community and the men and boys whose health we are trying to improve,” APA chief executive officer Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, said.
“It is critical that we use a comprehensive population health approach that addresses systemic and structural issues as well as social drivers of health. Most importantly, we need the political will to move this agenda.”