Michael Phelps, 23-time Olympic gold winner in swimming has spoken about his experience of anxiety and depression. He says that he questioned whether or not he wanted to be alive anymore at one point. This was when he sought the help of a licensed therapist, which he reports, ultimately helped save his life.

Phelps has stressed the importance of reaching out for help. He said that he would be joining forces with Talkspace for Mental Health Awareness Month because “getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness." This is not the first time the swimmer has spoken about mental health. In a 2017 interview with Today, he mentioned that “I can tell you I've probably had at least half a dozen depression spells that I've gone through. And the one in 2014, I didn't want to be alive."

If you or your loved ones feel emotionally distressed, do not hesitate to reach out for help.

Sneha Suicide Prevention Helpline – 044 -24640050 (24 hours), Sneha Foundation

Trust11, Park View Road, R. A. Puram, Chennai – 600028

e-mail: help@snehaindia.org

Health Helpline – 104 (24 hours)

iCall Psychosocial Helpline – 022-25521111 ( Mon-Sat, 8 am – 10 pm)

I struggled with anxiety and depression and questioned whether or not I wanted to be alive anymore. It was when I hit this low that I decided to reach out and ask for the help of a licensed therapist. This decision ultimately helped save my life. You don’t have to wait for things

— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) May 26, 2019