There are many ways to whittle away at mental health stigma. By and large, our culture seems to be moving in a positive direction, but sometimes it can feel like it's happening at a glacial pace. ESPN took a big step this week, as it has released a five-part series of articles, written by Jackie MacMullan, highlighting mental health within the NBA. She's discussed OCD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, medication, and even looked at the intersection of race and mental health. And not only that, but she's named names - big names. Stars like Paul Pierce, Chris Bosh, Kevin Love, Shane Larkin, Channing Frye, and Jalen Rose. She talked to coaches (Brad Stevens, Doc Rivers) GMs (Danny Ainge), and owners (Jeanie Buss). It is so incredibly important to talk about these issues. As long as mental health remains taboo, stigma will follow. But when we see these larger-than-life athletes talk openly about their struggles, it goes a long way in breaking down that stigma.
