Ian Thorpe

[freddie*rooster]

He is such an inspiration and a hero to us all, let's hope he receives the help he so desperately needs.

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/ian-thorpe-in-rehab-battling-alcohol-abuse-and-depression-20140131-31q45...

[purple_haize]

---

@bluecat*dancing wrote:

If only it was that easy!

---

I know, I have battled with for 14yrs......

I am with a good dr. now.

[bluecat*dancing]

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/swimming/ian-thorpe-one-of-many-elite-athletes-struggling-with-life-as-a...

NSW Institute of Sport psychologist Gerard Faure-Brac said illnesses like depression and anxiety could be more prevalent in elite athletes because they often lost part of their identity when they stopped competing.

“We see it more with elite athletes because it's their career, it's their identity, it's often their meal ticket,” Mr Faure-Brac said.

“Although we train these athletes and give them everything we need to be able to do their job in the pool, or on the track or on the field completely... we often miss out on preparing them for those other aspects of life that they're going to need outside of the sporting arena.”

[purple_haize]

since my son died, no one can help me

[bluecat*dancing]

I have battled with it for over 40 years, and believe me there is nothing easy about seeking or getting help. But, then, everyone is different and the manifestation and severity differs from person to person.

[purple_haize]

I have been on every medication under the sun, nothing works, altho what I am on now, worked for the first 6 month, that was 3yrs ago, still taking it, as the dr. doesnt know what else to give me.

It is horrible, everyone has different degrees of it.......some day are good, most days are bad.

[lloydslights]

Yes, there is the help out there.  But just sometimes, you need help to get help.  An understanding friend/family member who doesn't say "just go to the doctor", but one  who takes you by the hand and accompanies you to the doctor.

DEB 

[purple_haize]

---

@lloydslights wrote:

Yes, there is the help out there.  But just sometimes, you need help to get help.  An understanding friend/family member who doesn't say "just go to the doctor", but one  who takes you by the hand and accompanies you to the doctor.

DEB 

---

I dont need help to get help........I have a very caring doctor who sees me weekly, I also have just started seeing a Mental Health Nurse who has just started at the clinic and has been a mental health nurse for over 40yrs...........I am in their care.

[lloydslights]

Oh, Purple, how so very sad to hear your version of the demon-depression.  I understand that you are on medication; is that in conjunction with counselling?

DEB 

[cherry*135]

..battle depression and alcohol abuse

Are famous sports people pumped up/revered so much when they are in their prime as sports people that it becomes hard to cope later on when they are no longer in the spotlight?

[polksaladallie]

Perhaps his problems stem from being less than honest (to placate the public) for the last twenty years?  It couldn't have been easy.