Sergio Brown's Mental Health Struggles as a Former NFL Player

The Struggles of Sergio Brown with Mental Health

In recent years, there has been growing attention on the issues of mental health among athletes, especially football players. Sergio Brown, a former NFL defensive back, is one player who has been open about his personal struggles with mental health.

Sergio Brown's Background

Brown played college football at Notre Dame before being drafted by the New England Patriots in 2010. He spent four seasons with the Patriots and later played for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Baltimore Ravens over 5 years in the NFL.

During his playing career, Brown was known as an aggressive and hard-hitting defensive back. He started in Super Bowl XLVI with the Patriots and made a key pass breakup late in the game.

The Pressures of Professional Football

However, behind Brown's success on the field, he privately struggled with several personal issues.

Like many NFL players, Brown faced enormous pressure to perform at the highest level. The stress of competition, injuries, job uncertainty, and public scrutiny took its toll on his mental health.

"It's a gladiator sport. ...You can't show weakness because you're viewed as soft," Brown once remarked about the culture of pro football. "I've seen a lot of guys overcome huge bouts of depression and contemplate suicide."

Brown's Personal Mental Health Issues

In Brown's case, he has been upfront about his struggles with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, and other unspecified issues with mental health.

"I was having obsessive thoughts to the point where I couldn't concentrate," Brown said. "I was fortunate enough to play on some great teams and win big games, but I was dealing with something internally that I couldn't shake."

Brown also discussed the challenges of seeking help as a football player compared to a regular person.

"Imagine having to tell people what you're going through mentally and emotionally knowing that you can be judged. People look at you differently once they know you have an issue," he noted.

Seeking Help

Over the years, Brown has been determined to get the help needed to improve his mental health.

He has spoken openly about attending regular therapy sessions and consulting with psychiatrists. He credits this professional help for enabling him to develop better coping strategies.

"I was able to get the proper care and become mentally stronger," Brown commented, although he still faces occasional difficult days.

Brown's Efforts to Raise Awareness

Now retired from football, Brown actively uses his platform to advocate for mental health awareness.

He wants to inspire more candid conversations around mental health to reduce the stigma.

"Just know that youre not alone and there is hope. You can and will get through this with the proper care and support," Brown said encouragingly.

Brown also started hosting the Peace of Mind podcast along with former Patriot and Bronco Jacob Tamme. Through thoughtful dialogue and interviews with special guests, they explore the mental side of sports.

The Broader Mental Health Crisis Among Athletes

Moreover, Brown understands his struggles are part of larger mental health crisis impacting all levels of athletics.

Several high-profile cases of athlete suicides andresearch confirming higher risks of mental illness has brought more awareness. However, the strong cultures around sports often discourage openly discussing vulnerabilities.

Brown aims to shift mindsets through transparency about his mental health experiences. If more athletes feel comfortable asking for help, he hopes the tragedies will reduce over time.

Progress Addressing Mental Health in the NFL

Thanks to the efforts of Brown and other NFL stars, football leagues are starting to enact more mental health resources and support.

For example, the NFL and players association agreed to enhance counseling and psychiatric options for players. There is also a crisis hotline, increased screening, and health personnel dedicated to helping players cope with mental illness.

Several active players like Dak Prescott and Hayden Hurst have continued speaking openly about their mental health as well. The conversation that Brown helped start appears to be making an impact.

Room for Further Growth

However, Brown argues that there is still much work left to be done. Getting proper mental health care remains difficult for many NFL athletes despite incremental policies.

"The resources may be available, but players may not feel comfortable actually taking advantage of them yet," Brown noted.

He believes the NFL needs to keep addressing the ingrained machismo culture and lack of public understanding of player psychology.

Nonetheless, Brown remains proud of using his platform to positively influence attitudes on mental health.

"I get stopped places by people who say my transparency helped change their perspectives. That means a lot," Brown said. Through his courageous honesty about personal struggles, he continues making a difference.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.