Cleveland Cavaliers veteran Kevin Love has turn into a champion for NBA players and other people everywhere in the world who are suffering from mental health problems.
Lately, the 34-year-old has been very vocal about his mental health battles. Back in 2018, he wrote an essay for the Players’ Tribune where he opened up about his mental health struggles.
Recently, he spoke to Yahoo Life and brought up how difficult it’s for men to be “vulnerable,” as they might even see it as a weakness when it may well actually be the other.
“Being a young man, it’s all the time harder to specific yourself in that way due to the taboo and stigma behind it,” said Love. “As young men, we’re taught a unique way of communicating that truly hinders our evolution and our progress. I feel men or boys hear the word ‘vulnerable’ and they give the impression of being at it as weakness. Whereas pinpointing what’s bothering you, and where anxiety lies, can actually be a superpower.”
The five-time All-Star also shared how attending therapy will be freeing and helpful.
“For me, it was a serious step in the best direction after I first began with my therapist,” Love said. “It’s amazing the liberty that comes with it.”
The NBA veteran continued.
“Speaking your truth is vital,” Love said.
Love’s mental health activism has been well received within the NBA community. It has also make clear the interior struggles that some players cope with but perhaps select not to specific outwardly because they could be deemed soft by fans, pundits and even fellow players.
Moreover, evidently the league may take a step in the best direction in the case of allowing players to treat mental health problems as ailments just like physical injuries. Love’s efforts could have played a job in getting the league to think about such a change.
It’s heartwarming to see the NBA proceed to take mental health issues seriously, and other people across the league are likely grateful for Love’s efforts.
The 14-year veteran may very well be near the top of his playing profession. It has definitely been a productive profession for the large man. In spite of everything, he won an NBA title with Cleveland within the 2015-16 season. He has also earned various honors, including two All-NBA selections and the 2011 Most Improved Player award.
At present, he’s seeking to help the Cavs return to the playoffs after a lengthy absence. Cleveland looks primed to return to contention after acquiring three-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell earlier within the offseason. Several of the team’s young cornerstones are also expected to proceed improving this season and beyond.