Yes, Even the Stars Seek Mental Health & Wholeness

                                     Illustration by Arsh Raziuddin, The New York Times; Photograph via Getty

 When I heard that Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka chose not to do one of those press scrums at the French Open I wondered if this was another petulant young athlete who felt that skill and wealth exempted her from responsibility. She was almost immediately fined $15,000 for her decision with vague admonishment, presumably meant to deter her from doing so again. Perhaps to everyone's surprise the number 2 ranked player at the tournament chose to withdraw and go home. Osaka explained that she deals with anxiety and just couldn't face the barrage of questions and the relentless public pressure. 

I imagine that discussions with officials took place before Osaka's decision to withdraw and that her explanation was rejected. So much for changing outlooks on mental health issues in the 21st century. Perhaps the gatekeepers were concerned that this would set a precedent for other tournament tennis players. And we know that athletes in most professional sports are expected to speak to the press, regardless of whether they want to or not.

I wonder how many of mere mortals have ever felt that media interviews and publicity events with athletes enhanced our experience of the sports they play -- emphasis on play, since these are alleged games. In hockey, big stars such as Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby mastered the art of the polite but inane interview early on. Most pressers are mind-numbingly boring unless an athlete says something which they are required to apologize for later. 

The truth is that wealth and fame don't insulate people from anxiety or other forms of mental illness. Maybe Osaka's choice is a power move, as has been suggested. an attempt to assert control in her life. That doesn't change the reality of how she feels in those circumstances. Her sponsor, Nike, has expressed support for her decision, but this company has received heat for the expectations placed upon other athletes, so this may be strategic. 

Each day we can be mindful of those in all walks of life who struggle to find balance and feel whole. Communities of faith, including Christian congregations, need to model awareness and acceptance for those who are challenged in doing so, especially during these turbulent times.

I've decided to call my agent and sponsors to let them know it may be a few more months before I'm ready to do media events. In the meantime, I'll do my best to be loving and kind to others because I'm a Christian and I know that the balance of body, mind, and spirit was essential to Jesus' healing ministry.