Noah Lyles speaks about mental health struggles, spurs important conversation

Noah Lyles, the reigning 200m world champion, posted to Twitter on Sunday that he’s lately gone on antidepressant remedy. Lyles’s tweet has been appreciated, shared and commented on hundreds of occasions in underneath 24 hours, and reopened the vital dialog about psychological well being amongst runners. He wrote, “Not too long ago I made a decision to get on antidepressant remedy. That was among the finest choices I’ve made shortly. Since then I’ve been capable of suppose with out the darkish undertone in thoughts of nothing issues.”

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Not too long ago I made a decision to get on antidepressant remedy. That was among the finest choices I’ve made shortly. Since then I’ve been capable of suppose with out the darkish undertone in thoughts of nothing issues.
Thanks God for psychological Well being 🙏🏾

— Noah Lyles (@LylesNoah) August 2, 2020

Working is a sport which embraces and encourages toughness – runners are usually informed to be robust and work laborious. Whereas operating is a gritty sport, this mentality of remaining robust can current a problem, particularly with regards to psychological well being.

Canadian steeplechaser and multi-time NCAA medallist Charlotte Prouse retweeted Lyles’ message, sharing some private particulars about her personal expertise with psychological well being and taking drugs to assist her when she was most down. Prouse describes having a tough time following a breakout efficiency on the 2016 World Junior Championships, the place she positioned sixth within the steeplechase. “Coming off of that efficiency, I had large objectives for myself within the fall of 2016. After a month or two, I discovered myself in a extremely bizarre headspace. Issues modified, and I felt like I used to be being actually laborious on myself all the time.”

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Prouse describes preventing her emotions, as she felt that they had been indicators of weak point. “In operating everybody desires to speak about success, making it tremendous laborious to speak in regards to the days which are unhealthy. A part of being profitable is being mentally robust, however that may come at a worth. I felt like I used to be a robotic for thus lengthy as a result of I mentally shut down. I couldn’t deal with how upset and unhappy I used to be all the time, so I selected to disregard it.”

As somebody who went on antidepressants for my total sophomore yr that is unbelievable to see overtly talked about by an athlete of his caliber. Working quick occasions is one a part of being an inspiration in sport however opening as much as the robust occasions is a real exhibiting! #endthestigma https://t.co/wMh8mkAeiI

— Charlotte Prouse (@bubbsprouse) August 3, 2020

Later that fall, Prouse would communicate together with her group docs on the College of Washington and started taking remedy for melancholy, however didn’t inform anybody, “I used to be actually embarrassed. I felt weak. I informed solely certainly one of my coaches and felt mortified after.” Prouse took the remedy for a yr and a half, whereas making some main life modifications in hopes of a optimistic change. She got here residence to London, Ont. for the summer season of 2017 and transferred colleges within the fall, making the transfer to the College of New Mexico, the place she would turn into a crucial member of their ladies’s cross-country dynasty. 

Prouse feels that she wanted to fall in love with operating once more, which is why she made the choice to maneuver residence for 4 months. “There are all the time days which are robust, however speaking to folks helps – taking a break from operating additionally helped quite a bit. I wanted a contemporary begin which meant that I wanted a brand new surroundings. I went again residence and frolicked with the individuals who helped me fall in love with operating within the first place, after which began at UNM within the fall.”

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From there, issues bought a lot better for Prouse. She helped her team to an NCAA victory, snagged many spots in NCAA finals and completed in second place (twice) within the steeplechase. “Working has introduced my highest highs and lowest lows. I nonetheless verify in with myself to be sure that I’m feeling good personally and as a runner. I’ve discovered that there’s a skinny line between coaching for the best causes and coaching since you suppose you’re not doing sufficient.”

Prouse is presently stationed in New Mexico as she trains to hopefully make her first Olympic group subsequent summer season. She’s bought her psychological well being in an excellent place, however believes that it’s a dialog we have to hold having within the operating neighborhood. “Once you’re truthful and also you’re not simply posting out the great things on social media, it makes your story much more unbelievable. Noah’s publish was actually cool to see.”