Depression was my shadow – touching confession of a Polish volleyball star

Smarzek admitted that for three years, the disease “was his shadow, accompanying him in the darkest times.” She mentioned that during this time she felt “alone, overwhelmed and helpless” and that every day was a struggle.

The volleyball player described how difficult it became to combine her depression with her passion for the sport, which “turned into endless torture.” Despite this, Smarzek decided to fight for her mental health, stating that “she had to fight, if not for the sport, then for herself.”

Two years after her last suicidal thoughts, she insisted that mental health be treated with the same seriousness as physical health, particularly in sport.

She thanked her loved ones, her psychotherapist and her psychiatrist for their support, and encouraged others to be open to conversations about mental health.

Mental health is just as important as physical health

It’s important to remember that mental health is just as crucial as physical health. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1 in 4 people worldwide will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives, and seek help, whether through therapy or support networks, can change your life.

Exploring online resources, such as those offered by the experts at Yale Medicine, can be beneficial.

Source: Instagram/mali.smarzek/YouTube/Yale Medicine

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