Simone Biles Has Completely Changed How Society Views Mental Health
Simone Biles has blown everyone away in the Tokyo Olympics. Not only from elite gymnastic ability but in showing vulnerability with mental health.
Each time the Olympics rolls around, all eyes are on the athletes. The athletes competing in the games are placed with loads of pressure, and that pressure is broadcasted all over the world.
Competing is nerve-wracking enough that I cannot imagine what it would be like to walk out in front of millions of people, who you can’t see, and who are all judging you at home.
Simone Biles stepped out of the competition to care for her mental health. This is such a big step in the right direction for proper mental health care. Simone had to place all of the pressures as a returning gold medal athlete, being a popular fan-favorite, and winning another gold aside to put herself first.
Not only did she step aside, but she came BACK. Simone competed in the final for the balance beam and faced the world again. Simone showed strength, bravery, and courage in coming back. The world could have rejected her return, but quite the opposite happened.
On top of that, she earned a bronze medal! Go, Simone!
Why this is so important
Every facet of the Olympics is high stacks and intense competition — all to prove their ability and dedication to the sport they’re in. Athletes cannot crack or else they could stand to let down their country and fans.
In the past, there has never been this much coverage and positive feedback on an athlete stepping out for the sake of their mental health.
The coverage that Simone Biles is receiving for this, and the positive feedback from fans is showing how much we as a society have come towards mental health. 10 years ago, there would be no way that a popular Olympic athlete stepping out for their mental health would have been taken well.
Society has grown and morphed so much. It’s times like this I reflect on the real progress we have made in how we view mental health as a society.
An athlete wouldn’t compete with a broken ankle, so why would they compete if their mental health is suffering?
Simone Biles has made a permanent name for herself in the mental health world. She has proven to be an amazing example of how to take care of your own needs.
Simone Biles, a freaking gold medal olympian and she put the Olympics aside to care for her mental health. What a role model!
Seeing her win today made me so happy, I had to share my thoughts. Thanks for reading!
