Mental health is something that has become very important to Zee. For a long time, if he struggled mentally, he just tried to ‘work through it’ and quickly learned that wasn’t very effective. Fortunately he has been blessed with multiple options when he feels down or is struggling mentally. First, his Dad has been a great person to talk to when Zee struggles. Some folks might think it is ‘unmanly’ or something to admit you are depressed or anxious about things to your Dad, but Zee has always had a great relationship with his father and felt like he is able to talk about his feelings with him. It helps that his Dad also played football at a high level, although not professionally, and can relate to Zee really well. Zee also has a therapist that he sees regularly. Athletes will see a medical doctor at a drop of a hat, whether it is for a routine physical or if they are sick or hurt. Seeing a mental health professional shouldn’t be viewed as any different. For a long time, Zee thought the same as many other professional athletes and neglected his mental health, but now he realizes that keeping mentally healthy is just important to having a long and productive football career (and life!) as being physically healthy. (219 words)
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