Michael Phelps reveals details of his battle with depression. photo / Getty
Michael Phelps reveals details of his battle with depression. photo / Getty
Olympian Michael Phelps said he considered taking his own life on numerous occasions at the height of his career.
Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, opened up about his depression while speaking at a mental health conference in Chicago this week.
Phelps said he first contemplated suicide after the Athens 2004 Olympics and only sought professional help following London 2012, after reaching an "all-time low".
He went on to win five gold medals and one silver in Rio, but said the emotions of overcoming his mental health issues were far greater than those from winning his Olympic titles.
"Those moments and those feelings and those emotions for me are light years better than winning the Olympic gold medal."
"I am extremely thankful that I did not take my life," he said.
Phelps has since added stress management programs to the offerings of the Michael Phelps Foundation which focuses on promoting healthy and active lives.
He said he hoped opening up about his relationship with depression could help others speak more openly about the disease.
If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.
