Alabama attacking soccer goalkeeper Gavion Cohen spent the past month in rehab for mental health reasons, he said Tuesday. on instagram.
“The pressure we feel as athletes is insurmountable and can sometimes be too much,” Cohen wrote. “I don’t want to focus on the bad things, but I do want to shed light on the good that has come from this. (One of the lessons I learned here lol).”
Cohen was at the Herren Wellness Recovery Center in Massachusetts, where he said he learned many things about himself and life.
“The biggest lesson is, it’s okay not to be okay, but it’s not okay not to say you’re not okay,” Cohen continued. “I know I’m not alone when I say I’ve felt for so long that I have no support. There is no outlet for expressing my feelings either without feeling judged or afraid to do so. Being here has taught myself and many around me that this is not real.”
“Being weak doesn’t make you weak, it actually shows how strong you are. I have so many tools I’ve learned here that will help push me into being the man I want to be, and it all started with a simple phrase.” I’m not okay. To anyone who feels alone, you are not. There are people in this world who want to help you but the first step is to let them too [sic]. “
Cohen encouraged people reading his post to put themselves first and stand up for their mental health.
“The conflict ends when you decide to talk about it,” Cohen wrote. “This has been an absolute blessing from God and I am absolutely sure it will be for others. Seek the help you need and don’t be afraid to open up about your problems. Eternally grateful to Herren Wellness, my support system, and most importantly God has given me the strength to go through these The journey and making myself a better man. I look forward to life more and more every day! #article.”
Dane Shore, the former Alabama offensive lineman, shared in May that he also spent time at Herren Wellness after dealing with his mental struggles. Shore, one of the signatories in 2022, was later moved to Connecticut.
Former NBA player Chris Herren, founder of Herren Wellness, was a guest speaker at football in Alabama.
Cohen is set to begin his third season this fall with Crimson Tide. He was Alabama’s primary left-guard start in 2021.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can contact The US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline At 800-273-TALK (8255) any time of the day or night, or chat on the Internet.
Crisis text line It also provides free 24/7 confidential support via text to people in crisis when calling 741741.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has resources To help if you need to find support for yourself or a loved one.
Nick Kelly covers football and basketball in Alabama for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach out to him at nkelly@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter: Tweet embed
