While the players on each respective NFL roster may look superhuman to many, they also deal with some of the issues that normal people do. For Jacksonville Jaguars receiver DJ Chark Jr., the one relatable issue he’s had like many other Americans is the battle with anxiety and depression.
“Growing up my whole life I was always dealing with a lot going on at the same time,” Chark said recently when asked about the importance of mental health month. “So I didn’t really know how to handle life, school, relationships-once I got to college I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression.”
.@Jaguars receiver @DJChark82 reveals his struggles with anxiety and depression, and explains the crucial ways he’s managed to cope with the pain.
For more information or to seek help, visit https://t.co/NLwmIMDBdD. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth pic.twitter.com/9xn6EMQolL
— NFL (@NFL) May 21, 2021
Chark’s battle led him to a sports psychiatrist who was able to help him better deal with his mental health problems through medicine. From that point on, it certainly seems like things have worked out as he became a second-round draft choice, a pro bowler, and a father.
Chark’s success on and off the field is proof that one can overcome the hurdles of mental health issues. As a result, he can define what it exactly means to have good mental health, which isa tool that can be used to encourage others to seek help.
“Positive mental health to me means freedom, being able to think with a clear mind, act with a clear mind,” Chark said. “It helps with communication and being able to make decisions under stress.”
Chark also shared another way he’s been able to overcome mental health issues in addition to medicine — and that’s simply by enjoying time with his loved ones.
“To stay mentally healthy I love to spend time with my loved ones and my family — being able to go home and spend time with my wife, being able to go home to my two dogs and deal with them.”
Seeing players like Chark and others speak on such an issue is huge as anxiety is the most common mental illness amongst Americans according to the ADAA, affecting 40 million adults in the country who are 18 and older. Nearly one-half of the Americans suffering from anxiety also suffer from depression or vice versa. However, with athletes like Chark leading the way in the battle, those numbers could drop drastically over time.