Simone Biles

Simone Biles’ gold medal win at the Olympics sets a positive example of what can come from taking care of one’s mental health.

In the 2020 Olympics Biles withdrew part way through due to her mental health and there was an absolute uproar from some quarters about her being weak, saying she let down her team and her country.

After returning home she got into therapy to address the trauma and abuse she suffered in her sport and in her life. She had to deal with invisible injuries, just as so many trauma and abuse survivors do.

She prioritized her healing and when she was felt stronger decided to make an attempt to return to this year’s Olympics and we can all see how that turned out for her.

She has been vocal about the importance of therapy, of taking care of one’s mental health, of the needs of foster kids (having been a foster kid herself).

Let’s hope that she has blazed a trail that others take, both in her sport, and in the world.

It can be SO hard to slow life and our goals down to prioritize our mental health and do the work, but whether you’re a  world class athlete or an average person struggling, there are benefits to be reaped of not neglecting one’s mental health.