Anyone remember the sensation Mike Wallace (not Rusty's brother, but the '60 Minutes' anchor) caused when he admitted he suffered from depression? It seemed to shock people that someone as astute and intelligent as Mike could have any 'mental problems'.
As immediate and extended family members of mine suffer with depression and other mental health disorders, I can tell you that I have bittersweet feelings when famous people come forth and admit to these sorts of problems. I am sorry for them, for I know personally how living with mental health disorders, either mine or those of a family member, can affect your life. But I am also proud of them, and, yes, even happy, because when someone well-known admits something like this, people pay attention.
I could holler from the mountaintops about Tourette Syndrome awareness till I'm hoarse and exhausted (and believe me I have, and I have been). But one morning Montel Williams does a show on it, and thousands of people have been educated.
When Hermie Sadler first came forward to discuss his daughter's autism, my heart ached for him. His eyes would well with tears as he spoke, as mine would. But I was also overjoyed to hear him discuss it, and see that Autism ribbon on his car. And see the 800 number for the Autism Society scrolled across the screen during a NASCAR race (1-800-3AUTISM).
That was how I first heard of Artie Kempner, Director of Fox Sports. I heard that he had a son with autism, and was doing a lot of public outreach for autism awareness. I was so proud of Hermie and Artie for their efforts.
It's hard to drag your personal problems, and your beloved family members, out in public for the purpose of educating others. But the reality is that you must. You must make every effort to help people understand, because there is so much untruth and downright deplorable beliefs floating around out there. We still are truly like cavepeople in the area of mental health.
Recently I have learned that Terry Bradshaw, NFL announcer, ex-football champion, and recent NASCAR car owner has come forward to admit he has suffered with severe depression, and is currently receiving treatment for it. Terry Bradshaw? The man that surely is the clown at every party, the relative everyone loves to have at a reunion, and all-around loud and happy famous guy that most folks can identify easily? Him? Unhappy? Depressed?
It is one of the lessons I have learned in my life, that the people that appear to be the funniest are the ones that are crying the hardest inside. Sure there are exceptions. But think about that. Ponder that for a while. I know you'll agree with me at least a little bit. You know someone like that.
I hope in my lifetime that people will stop separating physical and mental health disorders. If our appendix is an organ, and our brain is an organ, it is only logical that they both can be healthy; and they both can 'get sick'. No one would question your taking care of a 'sick' appendix; why, then, do we consider someone going for help for their 'sick' brain be a sign they are weak, lazy, or demon-possessed?
The article I'm writing now is more or less a 'thank you' card to the more famous folks that take a deep breath, step forward, and discuss their, or their family member's, disabilities and disorders. I know how hard it is, and I know how much they'd prefer not to have to even think about it. But I also know the results it can bring. It truly does make the world a better place.
Thank you, Tony Stewart. For talking about rage. And claustrophobia, a term that not a lot of people understand, let alone spell correctly. It was the last thing you wanted to do; it's the last thing you want keep being brought up in interviews. But you're making it better for you, and folks with problems like yours.
And thanks Terry, for bringing the depression in front of us again. To keep reinforcing that if you are truly and clinically depressed, then you need to seek help. Not only for you, but for the family members around you.
And to Hermie and Artie? It is so hard, I know. But you're making it better for yourselves, your family members, and even my own son, Joshua. For that I can never thank you enough.
Thank you for helping to light the way!