Having a conversation about mental health is not always easy. Many times, mental health is overlooked and can be viewed as not being as serious as one’s physical health. The conversations surrounding mental health need to happen more often because of the detrimental effects that poor mental health can have on people’s lives.

Recently in the news, Kevin Love, a power forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team, has revealed his mental health struggle. For those who have not yet read his statement, Love mentions that he had a panic attack during a basketball game. Through the encouragement of hearing the words of another NBA player, DeMar DeRozan, discuss his mental health struggles, Love gained the courage the speak up.

Oftentimes, it seems like athletes and other celebrities are all put together. They seem perfect, like nothing is going wrong in their lives. However, no matter how much money someone makes or how much fame they have achieved, they still experience normal, everyday struggles. Mental illnesses don’t care about the amount of money being made or the status that a person has achieved in society.

Mental illnesses can affect everyone. The same mental illnesses that can affect a homeless person living on the streets can also affect an athlete that makes over $20 million per year. The discussion around mental health can create connections that people may never even believe were there before. No matter who a person is or what they’re doing in life, isolating themselves and staying silent about their internal struggles will only make the journey with a mental illness more difficult.

With this being said, I want to say thank you to Kevin Love for speaking out for all people that have struggled or are currently struggling with one or multiple mental illnesses. Seeing a beloved athlete share their struggle can inspire people of all backgrounds and walks of life to share their own struggles and get the help that they need and deserve. Kevin Love is someone who I would want my future children to look up to. Our society needs to work to eliminate the stigma of mental health. It’s serious, and it’s time that we treat it that way.

Thank you, Kevin Love. Through his story, hopefully, more people will have the courage to speak out. He is admirable and demonstrates that anyone can be affected by a mental illness. If you are reading this and you believe you need help, seek it out. There is nothing wrong with trying to better yourself for you and all of the people in your life.

No one, no matter their status, occupation, or background, deserves to feel lonely. We need to normalize discussions about mental health so that those who are struggling and suffering do not have to go through it alone.