It's OK to Not Be OK

By Teddie G.

As we approach the Beijing Olympics, we are reminded of the important message that gymnast Simone Biles taught us during the Tokyo Olympics: It is ok to say you are not ok.

For many years athletes were told to toughen up and focus on one goal: Winning. Biles was certainly great at that. Until, something shocking happened. During the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Biles decided that something wasn’t right and withdrew from the team competition. She probably didn't realize that she was not only helping herself, but making it alright for other people to seek help for mental health issues. 

Gold medalist Michael Phelps says watching Biles' struggle broke his heart, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He says that mental health is something that we have all been talking about a lot during the COVID pandemic. "We are human beings," Phelps said. "Nobody's perfect. So yes, it is OK not to be OK."

Phelps has been public about his own mental health struggles with ADHD and depression. He is now a mental health advocate and devotes part of the money raised from his foundation to creating emotional wellness curriculum that can be used in schools and beyond.

Sometimes we just don’t feel right. Mental health doesn’t only happen to famous Olympians. It happens to all of us. We need to be honest with ourselves and  have the courage to tell someone what we are feeling. We should all be aware because someone might be going through mental health issues right now.