Five athletes who have battled depression in their career

These players have suffered from mental health issues.

Mental health is a serious issue and needs to be addressed. It might not be visible to normal eyes but it is pretty much existent. Anxiety disorders, bipolar affective disorder, eating disorders, depression have become a part of daily life.

Nearly everyone is dealing with it including our athletes. Among professional athletes data has shown that nearly 35% of athletes suffer from some kind of mental health crisis. Let's take a look at some top athletes who have had to deal with their own personal demons off the playing field.

5. Ronda Rousey

"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey is the pioneer of women's MMA. She is a former Olympic bronze medalist and a former Strikeforce and UFC Bantamweight champion. Ronda's meteoric rise captivated the eyes of many. Deemed as the Baddest Woman on the Planet, Ronda had finished all her opponents inside the UFC Octagon raking up an impressive record 0f 12-0.

But all that changed in a blink of an eye when she lost her fight against Holly Holm. It was Ronda's 13th fight of her career and it really proved to be an unlucky 13. Holm knocked out Rousey in spectacular fashion to become the new Women's Bantamweight champion. Ronda opened up on how deeply the loss affected her and lead to depression.

Moreover, she also confessed to contemplating suicide. However, she acknowledges the fact that her then boyfriend became her support system. He helped Ronda overcome those tough times. She now divides her time supporting charities and spending her time with her husband.

4. Serena Williams

Serena Williams has also been a victim of bad mental health. The former World No. 1 had suffered from postpartum depression after the birth of her child. She had fretful thoughts, felt panic attacks interspersed with feelings of hopelessness.

She shared her story on Instagram on the constant anxiety she has been through. From the difficulty in giving the birth right to the fear of not doing enough for the well being of her child. Serena also spoke about the subject in her documentary and it paved the way for others to share their motherhood story.

The tennis star has also praised the moms and called them "true heroes" for going through this. For Serena motherhood made her come to face to face with her toughest opposition yet.

3. Michael Phelps

Swimming sensation Micheal Phelps might have created waves in the water but his personal life did not go as swimmingly. Phelps career has been riddled with various controversies. He was once caught driving under the influence of marijuana. The 23-time Olympic Gold Medalist spoke about the pain he was always in.

Micheal revealed his issues with depression and how he finally came in a zone where he could to speak about his dark times. "I struggled with anxiety and depression and questioned whether or not I wanted to be alive anymore." were the shocking words of the swimming legend. Consequently he reached out to a licensed therapist which changed his life.

His Micheal Phelps Foundation now offers stress management programs and creates mental awareness amongst people. On top of that Phelps also devotes his time to the Boys and Girls Club of America.

2. Sania Mirza

Indian tennis star Sania Mirza recently opened up her tryst with depression. Elaborating on the subject Sania said about how she was shattered after pulling out of a 1st round match in the Beijing Olympics. The retirement was a result of a wrist injury.

This result had an adverse effect on her mental health. Mirza was playing Czech Republic's Ivata Benesova when she had to forfeit the match. The Indian star said she was in immense pain. And now that she has become more mature she has a fresh perspective on the particular event.

According to Mirza it's normal and one needs to accept it to see the way out of it.

1. Abhinav Bindra

Abhinav Bindra shocked the world recently talking about his depression. It was more so surprising as he encountered this feeling after his success at the Beijing Olympics. Bindra became the first individual gold medalist for India with that feat.

The victory however created a void in Bindra's life. He went through many challenges during that phase. Bindra felt depressed and lost and did not know what to do with his life. Moreover, it depleted his energy and will to perform. The star shooter even contemplated retirement during this point. Consequently, he sought professional help to help him with his mental health struggles.

According to Bindra, he wanted to quit the sport and move on. Abhinav announced his retirement in 2017 saying it was time to focus on the younger aspiring shooters. The 10m air rifle shooter has not been in the shooting range since then.

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