Michael Phelps On His Current Mental State, ‘This Is The Most Overwhelmed I’ve Ever Felt’

Olympian Michael Phelps opened up to ESPN on Monday about the mental health struggles he has been facing during the pandemic. The successful swimmer discussed his current mental state, why he is coming forward now, and what he is doing to cope.

“The pandemic has been a challenge I never expected,” he said.

Phelps has been very open about his mental health struggles. He famously admitted before the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016 that he was seeking help. He admitted it “wasn’t easy” to publicly announce his struggles, but afterward he said it felt as though “opening up took a huge weight off my back.”

Even though the swimmer has sought help, his struggles have continued. Phelps stated that, while being cured would be a great ending to his story, unfortunately, it just doesn’t work that way.

“You have good days and bad. But there’s never a finish line,” he explained.

These days in isolation have been challenging for the olympian. He told ESPN that he misses traveling, competing, and interacting with others. Phelps stated his head is filled with many questions as to when and how the pandemic will end, as well as concerns over how to keep his family safe. He admitted his feelings are all over the place. The emotions bubble up and cause him to be “always on edge” and “defensive.” He acknowledged he is “triggered so easily.”

To cope, he has been trying his best to maintain a routine. The swimmer said he wakes up and works out for at least 90 minutes. It has been a challenge at times to get the motivation to do it, but he stated he knows it’s crucial for both his physical and mental state.

“If I miss a day, it’s a disaster,” he went on.

Besides working out, the swimmer insisted that journaling has helped him. He said he places notes all over the house so he can write down his feelings. Phelps said talking to his wife about his mental state helps him tremendously. When things get out of control, he gives himself a “timeout,” where he retreats to another space in the house and reframes his thoughts in quiet.

Phelps told ESPN he is opening up now to hold himself accountable. He further hopes that sharing his experience will help others. He said he knows that many others are struggling in similar ways.

“It doesn’t matter what you went through, where you’ve come from or what you want to be. Nothing can hold you back,” he stated.