Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula One champion, recently opened up about his long-standing struggles with mental health. In an interview, he revealed that he has faced depression since his teenage years, primarily due to the pressures of professional racing and bullying during his school days. Hamilton highlighted that he often felt isolated, stating, “I had no one to talk to”
He described his mental health challenges as ongoing, affecting him throughout his life and career. Hamilton has taken steps to cope, such as attending silent retreats and considering therapy again, although he expressed that his past experiences with therapists were not particularly beneficial. He noted a significant personal growth over the years, feeling more mature and self-aware, which has allowed him to handle pressures better than before.
Hamilton’s candidness about his mental health struggles serves as an important reminder of the challenges faced by athletes at the highest level and the importance of addressing mental well-being. His reflections encourage others to seek help and foster open discussions around mental health issues, particularly in high-pressure environments like Formula One..