Naomi Osaka is speaking out about her mental health journey. The 24-year-old tennis star appeared on the May cover of Self in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, where she discussed being an advocate for herself and her return to the tennis court. Click inside to read more… On why she stood up for herself: “I just didn’t feel like I had to do things for others.
I wanted to start listening to myself and doing things that I needed to do to protect my mindset.” On being a role model to other athletes: “After I opened up about struggles… I spoke to a lot of athletes that told me they too had quietly been suffering.” On the public’s reaction to her sharing her mental health struggles: “I didn’t expect any of it, and to be honest it was a bit strange.
For the first time I had press at my house and at my hotel, that had never happened before. It was a strange feeling and I was shocked that people cared that much.
As she continues, she sounds slightly incredulous about the impact of her actions. I guess I am glad it gave others the opportunity to also speak up even if that wasn’t my intention or what I expected.