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Post by Shreyas Kanthadi on May 11, 2017 18:24:53 GMT -4
Royce White's actions are truly commendable. He is a great model and advocate for Athletes and other individuals who suffer from mental health illness in their various professional careers. I am very shocked that the NBA has not implemented effective measures to help players cope with their mental illness. After his numerous efforts to seek help from the NBA organization and being rejected of his request is very saddening. White brings up a good point in the article where he states "They tell the players to 'represent yourself, your family, your community, this organization, in a way that you'd be proud of.' So that lets me know you understand it's bigger than the game, bigger than four quarters, bigger than practice, bigger than the training you do. It's bigger than the money you make." It goes to show the organizations like the NBA only promote to the media the image of being a dominant star athlete and events where the professional organization do charitable events to give back to communities. They do not want to to involve themselves with battles players face such as mental health. They do not want to draw the attention upon their organization when such relevant medical issues arise. I am glad that Royce is sending and promoting such a strong message to the NBA. Its a shame that his talent will never be appreciated or viewed by the fans of the NBA. It shows that he truly believes for what he fights for as he joined the CBA, an organization that has been compliant and resourceful for players dealing with mental health issues. It shows that Royce does not care about the money, the fame or the lavish lifestyle as an NBA athelete. I hope the NBA can implement better resources and programs to help players deal with their mental illness.
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Post by Renuka Bhisetti on May 11, 2017 18:45:02 GMT -4
It’s surprising how our society is still unable to accept that a black, male, professional basketball player could have a mental health illness. Royce White brings several strong arguments about how a sports league that preaches the importance of team work, family, and community, were unable to provide him with the support he required in his time of need. His story reminds us that as physicians, we need to continue to educate our community about the prevalence of mental health illnesses and how to handle these situations.
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Post by Melvin George on May 11, 2017 20:59:52 GMT -4
Royce White's generalized anxiety disorder was discovered and diagnosed early. His coaches in high school and college were also supportive and accommodating when he had anxiety and panic attacks. They all agreed that he had potential but when he finally entered the big leagues it was clear that the NBA wasn't as understanding of his situation. Although he ended up taking a substantial pay cut, It's great to see White take a stand for what he believes and bring mental health issues to the forefront. It could be due to White's lobbying efforts that the NBA is adding new mental health protocols to its collective bargaining agreement starting July 1. I'm glad that White was able to find a home with the London Lightning, an organization that understands his needs, and overcome his mental health obstacles.
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Post by Sudeep Rajpoot on May 12, 2017 2:27:01 GMT -4
It appalls me to see a situation like this. Athletes are expected to be robots that are programmed to compete and have no emotions or problems outside the realm of sports. Royce White has been very open about his illnesses and has been met with roadblock after roadblock by the NBA. The Association's lack of compassion and the inability to empathize is disgusting. This attitude resonates throughout the sports world. Another example of this disregard for athletes' health is the fight that the NFL has put up to shrug off the findings of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and its relation to repetitive hits to the head and multiple concussions. The expectation of athletes are high, and rightfully so. They are paid millions of dollars to train, compete, win, and be the best. There should not be the expectation, though, for a athletes to forget about or be punished for real world problems. I hope White continues his fight and we see change in the near future.
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Post by Michael Colfax on May 12, 2017 9:31:11 GMT -4
This article shows that not even the rich and famous are immune to mental health issues. The fact that living with generalized anxiety disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder, NBA player Royce White, gave up his career is commendable. He stood up for his beliefs that people living with mental disabilities should be taken well care of even if they are in the NBA. Yes, they are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act, but the NBA found loopholes to not make this a big deal. I found it unreasonable that they couldn't understand why he couldn't get over his fear of flying when it was necessary for his job. Hopefully the sacrifice Royce White made will be beneficial to other athletes living with similar conditions and will be given the proper treatment to help their issues, and not just ignore them.
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Post by NankiA on May 14, 2017 9:16:04 GMT -4
The article sheds a good light on how bringing these mental health issues to light will never be a perfect process. Royce is doing a commendable job being this young and yet navigating through being a celebrity sportsman while standing up for his mental health issues. I agree with Royce when he states that it is taboo for men and more so, professional athletes to admit or talk about their mental health. I think society at large has become unsympathetic to athletes unless they incur some form of physical injury that prevents them from playing their next game. An athlete who is 100% in physical form but yet not 100% mentally healthy is not 100% ready to play a game. After all, mental health IS health.
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Post by Branwen Felbel on May 14, 2017 17:30:12 GMT -4
For many people, especially professional athletes, the stigma associated with mental illness is one of weakness. This stigma has caused many to suffer in secrecy. Professional, basketball player, Royce White's courage for acknowledging that he suffers from generalized anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder and his request for workplace accommodation to help him overcome his anxiety, has raised awareness of the importance of self care and seeking mental health treatment and/or therapy. No one should have to suffer in shame or silence. Preservation of mental well being is more important than financial gain as Royce White as demonstrated.
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Post by Aishat Zurakat ASU on May 15, 2017 11:56:08 GMT -4
The NBA definitely lost an invaluable gem. I can't wait for the time when mental illness would be seen the same way as a fracture or dislocation. Mostly among black folks and men, being mentally Ill means you are weak or feminine, why is being feminine even a weakness. The way we think and the level of ignorance and stereotyping is alarming. When will we begin to see things as they are? Although I never knew this person, but now. White is someone I respect. He stood his ground and is fighting the way he can. Why is NBA not thinking of the consequences of pushing a person with GAD to an episode? "They are a human commodity business". I hope other players can also follow the footsteps of White, we need people like this.
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Post by Fernando Grabner on May 17, 2017 20:47:39 GMT -4
Since he is a professional athlete, Royce White's situation is high-profile, but I believe it represents what happens all too often in many types of employment situations. The NBA, like other employers, differentiated mental illness from other types of sickness, making fewer allowances than they might have if Mr. White had a broken leg, for example. This wide-spread ignorance due to the fact that mental illness can't be proven by any lab test is prevalent throughout today's society and reflects the continuous need to improve education and awareness on the matter. As medical professionals we need to be sure to always stand up for the rights of people facing similar situations with their employers.
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Post by Rashonda Carlisle on May 23, 2017 18:07:16 GMT -4
This article demonstrates that money and fame does not heal. Royce White is a true example of an advocate for mental health. He turned down a deal that millions of others would commit crimes to have, for the sake of his mental health and own personal well being. It also shows the stigma that is placed on mental health in the US and the lack of resources and willingness that this country is willing to spend on it. It is a shame that the team was unable to find alternatives for Royce to deal with his condition. The NBA makes billions a year, but is somehow unable to spend a little extra for a valuable team player with a mental condition? I find it appalling, especially since the physical state of each player is so carefully monitored. I am glad that he found peace and understanding in another team even if it is not within the borders of his own country. I am glad that the NBA is somewhat acknowledging the importance of mental health and can only pray that they take his example and follow through with the new rules that they are attempting to pass in July. Mental health is just as important as physical, and each team should have a doctor on board for special instances such as seen in this article.
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Post by Nyimasatta Jawo on May 25, 2017 20:34:14 GMT -4
Mental Health diseases are normally swept under the rug in many institutions and communities. This Article highlights one of those institutions where men are expected to be strong and not talk about or have any mental health issues. Men in sports who have mental health issues are looked at as being weaker and as such no support is provided for these individuals. Man of these individuals will avoid looking for or asking for help in fear of being shunned. This article shows the struggles of one man who has found a way to do what he loves and yet still be in an environment that supports him. Athletes with mental health issues should also be able to be themselves and find the help they need to be able to live a fulfilling life.
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Post by Fiyinfoluwa D Aderibigbe (FDA) on May 26, 2017 2:15:07 GMT -4
The relationship between professional athletes and mental health issues is well documented, where White’s stories really stands out is his insistence on not toeing the line of many others before him, he put his mental health first. This is highly commendable and sets a paradigm shift. As the article aptly portrays he sacrificed a lot to get to where he is, with the process he’s made and continues to make the journey he is on worth it. His support system ranges from his wife to the Canadian league and fans. Their support in his journey cannot be underemphasized. Which once again brings to the fore that one really needs all the support and help he can get. He’s aware and looking forward to the bright future and challenges ahead and seems to be in the right mental state of mind to deal with them.
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Post by Jocelyn Anyanwu on May 30, 2017 4:42:00 GMT -4
It is a concern that the mental health of athletes is not of utmost importance as that of physical health. Royce White not only drew attention to the importance of mental health, but he was able to forgo financial gain in the quest for recognition of mental health as a big problem. Not many people realized that certain behaviors stem from a lot of circumstances, and his not showing up for games during his 2012 NBA draft should have alerted the NBA of a much deeper problem. Not many people will walk away from millions of dollars, but he had to do it to be able to cater for his ill mental health. His generalized anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder as a teenager and as an adult was not addressed by the NBA and he made the right choice for him. It is a good thing that being in a place that addresses his needs and mental issues is making him thrive better.
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Post by Roy Satmaka on Jun 7, 2017 11:11:58 GMT -4
Its unfortunate such a large professional sports league has been slow to respond to the needs of their athletes when it comes to mental health. The players are expected and demanded to be at their best often beyond the game and the court. So much is expected of the players yet the sports franchise or the league the support is not in place for those that have or develop mental illness in the course of their short sports career. I applaud Royce White to find his own way by moving to Canada to help build up the NBL league; get the support he needs and play the game he loves; while bringing London Ontario and mental health awareness to the forefront.
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Post by Nkiru frank on Jun 14, 2017 11:06:15 GMT -4
Sports and performance anxiety often go hand-in-hand.it can have devastating effects on your ability to perform. Before you learn how to manage the symptoms of anxiety during competitions, it is important to understand the relationship between anxiety and athletic performance. Anxiety before or during athletic competitions can hinder your performance as an athlete. The coordinated movement required by athletic events becomes increasingly difficult when your body is in a tense state. A certain level of physical arousal is helpful and prepares us for competition. We have to pay attention to this because this is very important. In general, self-confidence tends to be highest when you believe in your ability and feel that you have properly prepared for a competition.
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