DeMar DeRozan is one of the best basketball players in the world. A lot of people would consider the Raptors’ guard to be their idol, their inspiration, or their hero. A lot of time it’s easy to lose focus on the fact that these superstars with millions of dollars in their pocket are just as vulnerable to mental health issues as everyone else. Mental health issues are human, mental health is not something that can be bought.
DeRozan has recently taken it upon himself to share his own personal experiences with mental health issues. After a lyric-tweet that had a much more deeper meaning during all-star weekend, DeRozan has inspired many by opening up about his struggles with depression. In doing so, he has opened the conversation wider than it’s ever been in the NBA and has undoubtedly had a far reach and impact to his fans and fans of the sport.
In an interview with Doug Smith of the Toronto Star, DeRozan went in-depth with some of his own battles. He also explains why he has decided to become a celebrity voice on the issue in the interview, which can be found here.
In the end, nobody is invincible. When asked to explain in further detail why he had decided to stand up and speak, DeRozan explained to ESPN how it’s not about him – it’s about helping others.
As DeRozan mentions, some people are ashamed to admit they are struggling. In an extremely noble gesture, DeRozan has exposed his own vulnerabilities. While some people may assume his quiet demeanor is “just the way he is”, DeMar explains that it is so much deeper and more complex than that.
Hopefully the All-Star’s admirable opening up will result in a more open conversation in general. After all, no matter what walk of life one comes from, we are all here on earth as human beings.
(H/T ESPN)