Michael Phelps: 'I Didn't Want to Be Alive'

Michael Phelps revealed that after the 2012 Olympics, he experienced profound depression, confessing, "I didn't want to be alive anymore." He isolated himself for three days, eventually checking into a treatment center for 45 days to understand and cope with his mental health struggles. Phelps noted a significant shift in his perspective, moving from seeing himself as just an athlete to recognizing his emotions.

Now a vocal advocate for mental health, Phelps partnered with Talkspace in 2018 and encourages others to seek help. As a father of four, he implements techniques like the "lion breath" to help his children manage big emotions and communicate their feelings. He strives to create a "generational shift" by openly discussing mental health within his family, showing that vulnerability is a strength.

Phelps utilizes a mental health checklist including golf, cold plunges, and gym sessions when facing bad days. He also relies on a supportive group chat with other successful men who have shared similar struggles, finding strength in their brotherhood and vulnerability. He stresses the importance of human connection over AI chatbots for mental health support, highlighting the value of real therapy and open conversations.