Delonte West, mental illness, and my struggle with depression

I was diagnosed as bipolar in the summer of 2009.

At the time of my diagnosis one of my favorite Cavaliers, Delonte West, was arrested for speeding on a motorcycle with two loaded handguns and a loaded shotgun in a guitar case. A year prior to that West had left training camp to treat a "mood disorder" that he had battled since his childhood....

....Depression is a physical illness. It poisons your veins and makes your arms and legs heavy, your chest sinks and your mind declares war on itself. My methods to cope have almost always been of a self-destructive nature, and in my darkest times it felt like I was watching myself from outside my body, as alcoholism and other destructive devices began to control my life. I craved positive reinforcement and, unfortunately, there was not exactly an ample supply of that at home growing up. I just wanted anything that would let me know that somebody didn`t hate me as much as I hated myself.

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Bethany`s Notes
Notes: When athletes are able to share their story to get help it humanizes them and makes the general population relate better. I believe the more athletes speak out about mental health the better the more resources will be available for the general public as well.