Swimming legend Allison Schmitt tackles mental health

By Danielle Masterson

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Sports & Active Nutrition Summit USA Sports nutrition products athletes Mental health

The athlete-turned-mental health advocate spoke at the Sports and Active Nutrition Summit about her own struggle with depression and what drives her passion for raising awareness.

As a four-time Olympian and a 10-time Olympic medalist, Allison Schmitt is one of the most decorated American athletes of all time. But in recent years, she is focusing just as much on her mental health as her physical.

Speaking on stage at the Sports and Active Nutrition Summit in San Diego, Schmitt explained that she began experiencing problems with mental health around 2012.

“I had so much to be grateful for, yet I was depressed and I felt like speaking about mental health was complaining, so I internalized it," Schmitt recalled.

While statistics​ show that one in four people will experience a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year, the stigma surrounding mental health is still a barrier for getting help.

But after Schmitt’s 17-year-old cousin April took her own life in 2015, she decided to seek help and speak out.

“I'm very grateful that I am still on Earth, able to spread her story and spread awareness on the importance of mental illness and mental health,” said Schmitt.

Schmitt’s appearance included answering several questions from the audience and sharing advice along with a few hugs.

“No one is broken, we're not trying to fix anything. We just want to be heard and understood,” said Schmitt. “So just being able to listen and understand someone else's journey and stand next to them.”

Related news

Show more

Related products

show more

Boost Your Sports Nutrition Solution with Peptan

Boost Your Sports Nutrition Solution with Peptan

Content provided by Rousselot | 13-Nov-2023 | White Paper

Athletes are prioritizing their well-being and seeking nutritional solutions to optimize recovery, making it an indispensable aspect of their performance.

The Shows Are Over- What is Next for Your Supplements?

The Shows Are Over- What is Next for Your Supplements?

Content provided by Gemini Pharmaceuticals, Inc | 25-Oct-2023 | White Paper

Often the balance of “best value” and “best price” walks Brand Owners into a maze, and no industry seems to exemplify that like dietary supplements!

New Study for Female Athletes

New Study for Female Athletes

Content provided by Gencor | 17-Oct-2023 | Product Brochure

In a recent clinical trial backing its ingredient Libifem® for improved muscle strength, power, endurance and body composition with a females-only popluation...

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars