Steve Smith Sr. Details His Struggle With Depression

CHARLOTTE, NC – For 16 years, Steve Smith Sr. terrorized defenses, racked up accolades, and had no trouble speaking his mind about the play on the field. On Tuesday, Smith Sr. wrote an NFL.com article which reveals his struggle to speak about himself and his troubles with depression.

Smith Sr. wrote that despite his 81 touchdowns and five Pro Bowl appearances, he was rarely happy.

“Despite all of my achievements, I routinely felt trapped, inferior and alone,” wrote Smith Sr. “This overwhelmed me internally and often left me mentally, physically and emotionally broken.”

Smith Sr. revealed his constant fight with depression.

“I commend his courage and his bravery to be able to expose this,” said Kareem Puranda, the founder of Self Talk Counseling and Consulting.

Puranda works with teens, including young athletes struggling with their own perceptions and realities.

“The idea of never measuring up to a standard or an expectation that the environment may have of them creates a lot of psychological challenges that they suffer with,” said Puranda.

He says many people suffer in silence, ashamed of their mental state.

Smith Sr. realized that he is not alone, explained Puranda. He believes Smith’s admission will help shed the stigma of talking about depression.

“His courage to be able to say hey look, this happened to me. if you got challenges make sure you go get some help. I think it’s a win-win situation for everybody involved,” said Puranda.

In a football world where toughness is glorified and celebrated, Smith Sr. shuts down the idea that depression is only for the weak.

“It’s crucial for everyone to know that acknowledging personal struggles isn’t a sign of weakness, but one of strength.”

For more information on mental health, visit www.mentalhealth.gov or call 1-800-273-TALK.