"Expressing intent of self-destruction"
Ricky Rubio, the Spanish basketball veteran and former NBA player, has bravely shared his personal journey with mental health struggles throughout his illustrious career. Despite achieving significant success on the court, Rubio has faced challenges such as suicidal thoughts, imposter syndrome, and feelings of meaninglessness.
In a candid conversation on the Spanish television show Lo de Evole, Rubio revealed that even during his proudest moments, including winning the 2019 World Cup MVP, he felt like a fraud and was never satisfied with himself. This openness is part of Rubio's mission to destigmatize mental health issues among athletes and beyond.
Rubio's mental health struggles reached a breaking point in 2023, when he openly admitted to considering giving up not just basketball but life itself. During the World Cup, everything felt unbearably heavy, and he found it difficult to find meaning in anything. This period coincided with him taking a break from playing with the Cleveland Cavaliers before eventually resigning from the NBA to focus on his mental health.
Balancing personal life and professional demands has been a significant challenge for Rubio. He shared the emotional toll of being a father and playing a game just two days later, which weighed heavily on him. Additionally, coping with his mother’s cancer and eventual death added to his mental burden.
To address these struggles, Rubio took the courageous step to seek help and prioritise his mental health. Though he admitted he was close to starting medication, accepting that felt like a defeat for him. Ultimately, his decision to step away from the game was about preserving his well-being and confronting the inner battles he faced in silence for years.
Since opening up, Rubio has become a quiet advocate for mental health awareness. His story highlights the importance of vulnerability, self-care, and the courage required to admit when one is not okay, even for celebrated sports champions.
Rubio's openness about his struggles has made his advocacy for mental health one of his most meaningful contributions beyond the basketball court. In a poignant reflection, Rubio stated that the responsibility is often placed on a child who might not be ready for it. He used Barcelona footballer Lamine Yamal as an example, cautioning that a child playing well does not necessarily mean they can handle everything.
However, it is unclear if Rubio has any direct knowledge of the pressure experienced by Lamine Yamal. The article does not provide any additional information about Lamine Yamal's experiences with pressure.
Rubio retired from basketball last year, but his impact off the court continues to resonate. His story serves as a powerful reminder that even the most successful individuals can struggle with mental health issues and that vulnerability and self-care are crucial for maintaining well-being.
Sports analysts acknowledge the huge influence of Ricky Rubio's openness about his mental health struggles, as it promotes a health-and-wellness discussion within the world of sports. Interestingly, Rubio's mental health challenges paralleled his ventures into science, like sports-analysis, as he grappled with feelings of inadequacy even during successes such as winning the 2019 World Cup MVP. His story encourages bookmakers and athletes alike to recognize mental health as an integral part of overall health and well-being.
