Cleveland Cavaliers veteran Kevin Love has grow to be a champion for NBA players and other people all around the world that suffer from mental health problems.
In recent times, 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’s Megan Johnson and brought up how difficult it’s for men to be “vulnerable.” He noted that men might even see vulnerability as a weakness when it might actually be the other.
“Being a young man, it’s all the time harder to precise yourself in that way due to taboo and stigma behind it,” said Love. “As young men, we’re taught a unique way of communicating that really hinders our evolution and our progress. I believe men or boys hear the word ‘vulnerable’ and they appear 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 fitting 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 essential,” Love said.
Love’s mental health activism has been well received within the NBA community. It has also make clear the inner struggles that some players take care of but perhaps select not to precise outwardly because they may be deemed soft by fans, pundits and even fellow players.
Evidently the league may take a step in the fitting direction in relation to allowing players to treat mental health problems as ailments much 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 might be near the tip 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.