Diving Deep into the Mental Health and Substance Abuse within the NHL

Mental illness is real. Truer words haven't been spoken. It's a stigma that just doesn't seem to go away. The NHL and leagues around the globe all have tragic stories where journalists are publishing content on recent suicides, relapses, and players going to facilities to treat depression. The incredible talent with players in professional sports comes with more than a few extra bucks in the pocket. It brings a life like no other-this isn't always a good thing. It's a serious matter. How does it happen? Are there enough resources? What can be done?

I spent 18 years of my life playing the game of hockey at a high school level, juniors and a local men's league. I had the incredible opportunity to play at a high level and have been given the chance to do something I love, being covering the team and sport I love. That came with a price. It was my second year of Junior B level hockey and a hit to head caused my junior's career to end. Suffering my 3rd concussion and about to enter a journey I never thought I would. The effects of this will never end.

I had to learn how to tie my shoes again, endless days in bed due to sunlight and serious depression. Sometime down the road i was diagnosed with Manic Depression due to multiple things but losing the game of hockey was a serious factor. It has taken years and years of treatment and therapy- a day by day attitude.

Since then, I have been able to help in many ways with issues like this. Being a former player who suffers and is medically diagnosed with Mental Illness, it's important to be try and lend an ear or give the necessary resources needed. After my career ended, I made it a point to designate my available time to players of any division who need some kind of help. I do a lot of volunteer work and assist with charity events for mental health non-profits here in the Northeast Philadelphia area. One being the Suicide hotline, I am a certified volunteer and have been for almost 3 years. It's the most rewarding credential I have ever received.

The world on social media all recently received the news that Cherry Hill's very own, Bobby Ryan was arrested in an airport for public intoxication. He has been released after the standard eight-hour public intoxication hold. Alcoholism has affected Bobby Ryan for some time now and it deeply saddens the people that are close to him and of course, himself. There is no doubt that he is going to get the necessary treatment needed and get back to the man and player everyone knows he can be.

Bobby Ryan was emotional on the bench after recording the hat trick in his return and getting huge applause from @Senators fans. 👏 pic.twitter.com/fJYJ8IAJdd� Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 28, 2020

When I went through my battle with mental health, I tried something outside the box and that was obtaining a life coach. He saved my life two years ago. I had the privilege of speaking with a certified crisis coach Tara Heather, who specializes in sobriety and relapse on the importance of coaching and what it can really do.

"As a crisis coach certified in relapse and recovery and a recovering addict of 10 years myself. I can say that it is important to both have someone to talk with about your recovery as well as learn techniques to alleviate stress and triggers. Stress is listed as the most common cause of relapse and that is the reason I highly recommend a recovery coach to listen and offer ways to manage the stress and triggers"

Tara also mentions another important note about coaching.

"With relapse rates at 40-60% one study found that those with recovery coaches stay in treatment and are 15% more likely to remain in recovery at 2 years verses those who did not have a coach."

There will be a virtual event help by a group of incredible coaches on helping people in need. From Sobriety, ADHD, and Suicide Awareness.
Click here for info on the Coaching Couch Event on other ways of help

Any type of treatment is a good one. It's a battle every day for people who are suffering with mental illness, sobriety issues and much more. We see it more and more often within the world of sports, players struggling.

We can only help that they find the path they need to live their absolute best life.

Best of luck to Bobby Ryan on the journey he will begin.