.....Phelps is speaking out at a time when a host of current and former athletes are bringing mental health issues to national attention, attempting to remove the stigma from depression and suicidal impulses. NBA stars Kevin Love and DeMar DeRozan recently opened up about their mental health struggles, as have Olympic swimmers Missy Franklin and Allison Schmitt. Phelps echoed them and said he "straight wanted to die" at one point in his career.....
.....The USOC`s Pivot program aims to help retiring athletes "discover and cultivate their next passions and goals as they transition out of elite competition." The program`s promotional materials promise that "athletes will realize they are not alone, have the opportunity to share and relate their experiences with others going through the same transition, and receive support for future success."......   ...more

Bethany`s Notes: Both Canada and the UK have made it is point to care for the `whole` athlete, especially at the highest level. Those governments fund athletes very differently than America. Will America follow suit?