Detroit Tigers outfielder Austin Meadows hasn’t played in MLB since June 15.
He has suffered from various issues, ranging from lower body injuries to struggling with his mental health.
He came clean about that last part on a Twitter post made on Friday, announcing that he won’t be back on the field in 2022.
Just this year alone, he has dealt with vertigo, COVID-19, and then bilateral tendinitis in his Achilles.
That’s not all.
“What I have told very few people is that I also have been struggling with my mental health in a way that has extended my time away from the game that I love so much. I’ve been dealing with this privately with a great team of professionals, but I need to continue to put in the hard work off the field towards feeling mentally healthy,” he said.
— Austin Meadows (@austin_meadows) September 2, 2022
Meadows Was Brave To Come Clean And Inspire Others To Seek Help
Meadows did not clarify the exact details about his mental health issues, but he doesn’t need to: it’s his right to keep them private if he wants, and his message is clear.
There are many types of mental illnesses and issues that need attention from professionals, ranging from anxiety, depression, and many others.
The important thing is that we, as people and patients, can identify and deal with them quickly, with the help of specialists.
Meadows encouraged people in need to seek help.
Here is hoping he can be back doing what he loves next year.
He finishes his season with a .250/.347/.328 line and no home runs in 147 trips to the plate.
The numbers, however, don’t matter: he should be given the time he needs to get healthy, both physically and mentally.
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