Michael Phelps, the most decorated American Olympian of all time, is known for breaking records and winning medals in the pool. However, what many fans may not know is that he has also faced mental health challenges throughout his life.

Phelps was diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in sixth grade, and went on to struggle with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts as an adult. He also faced a battle with substance use and received multiple DUIs.

However, Phelps did not give up on his mental health and decided to seek help in 2014. He spent time in an inpatient mental health treatment center and continued with therapy. This was when he started to see his life turn around and began to feel like a person, rather than just a swimmer.

Phelps has made it his mission to normalize mental illness and help people speak up about their struggles. He has partnered with Talkspace to launch the Permission Slip campaign, which provides people with a “mental health permission slip” to encourage them to seek help.

Phelps’s journey with ADHD and depression is a powerful reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. His advocacy work is inspiring others to speak up about their mental health struggles and find hope for healing.