West Ham forward Michail Antonio has opened up about struggling with his mental health during a difficult time in his career, revealing that he once hoped for an injury to get a break from playing football. Antonio, 34, was going through a divorce while trying to succeed at West Ham, leading him to dislike the game to the point where he didn’t fully appreciate his team’s success in the Europa Conference League until months later. He shared that he prayed for an injury as a way out and eventually tore his medial ligament while playing for Jamaica. This experience made him realize the importance of seeking help and therapy, which changed his perspective on mental health and ultimately rescued his career.
Antonio confessed that he never thought therapy was necessary until he hit a low point in his life. He credited therapy for helping him tackle his issues head-on and providing the relief he needed to address his struggles. During therapy sessions, Antonio opened up about the challenges he faced, including dealing with the divorce from his partner and the death of his father. He recalled a moment when he couldn’t hold back tears while discussing his troubles with his therapist, which provided him with a sense of clarity and relief. This willingness to confront his emotions and seek professional support allowed Antonio to overcome his mental health struggles and reignite his passion for football.
The West Ham forward revealed that football had initially served as an escape from his personal issues, but the divorce marked a turning point where he felt overwhelmed by the challenges in his personal and professional life. His therapy sessions helped him recognize the deeper emotional issues he had been avoiding and enabled him to address them effectively. By acknowledging his vulnerabilities and seeking help, Antonio was able to lift a weight off his chest and rediscover the joy in playing football. This experience highlighted the importance of mental health awareness and destigmatizing seeking therapy for professional athletes.
Despite his struggles, Antonio continued to perform for West Ham, although his mental health issues impacted his ability to fully enjoy the game. He shared that he went through a period where he didn’t score for months and felt run-down and negative during matches. The turning point came when he recognized the need for a break and prayed for an injury, which eventually led to his medial ligament tear. This experience forced Antonio to confront his mental health issues and seek professional help, ultimately transforming his perspective on mental health and its impact on his career.
Antonio’s candid reflections on his mental health journey shed light on the challenges faced by professional athletes and the importance of seeking support when struggling with mental health issues. Through therapy, Antonio was able to navigate his personal and professional setbacks, ultimately returning to top form for West Ham. His story serves as a reminder of the significance of mental health awareness and the impact it can have on an individual’s well-being and career success. By sharing his experiences, Antonio hopes to inspire others to prioritize their mental health and seek help when needed, emphasizing that mental well-being is just as important as physical health in achieving success in any field.
