NBA star Kevin Love decided to break the silence on mental health struggles. By sharing his personal experiences with anxiety and panic attacks, he not only helped himself but also became a powerful voice for mental health awareness. Love was one of the most famous athletes ever to publicly admit to having mental health struggles. While many athletes have mentioned facing various types of adversity, Love was unique in admitting that it was a mental health issue.
With a successful basketball career, fame, and millions of fans, many assumed his life was perfect – 5x NBA All-Star and NBA champion. But underneath his strong athletic exterior, Love was facing internal battles that most people never saw.
Everything changed on November 5, 2017. During a game against the Atlanta Hawks, Love experienced a terrifying panic attack right on the court. He had trouble breathing and felt like the walls were closing in. It was a scary and confusing moment for him. At first, he tried to hide it, not wanting to appear weak in front of his teammates or coaches. But this event forced him to recognize that he needed help.
In March 2018, Love made a bold move. He published an essay titled “Everyone Is Going Through Something” in The Players’ Tribune, an online sports publication. In the essay, he opened up about his panic attack and the emotional struggles he had kept hidden for years. He talked about how he grew up thinking that men, especially athletes, shouldn’t show vulnerability. Love wrote, “Growing up, you figure out really quickly how a boy is supposed to act. You learn what it takes to ‘be a man.’ It’s like a playbook: Be strong. Don’t talk about your feelings. Get through it on your own.”
By writing this essay, Love helped break the stigma surrounding mental health, especially in male-dominated environments like professional sports. Many athletes, fans, and even people outside the sports world praised him for his honesty. His courage inspired other athletes, such as DeMar DeRozan, to speak out about their own mental health issues.
But Kevin Love didn’t just stop at sharing his story. He also took steps to work on his own well-being. One of the most important things he did was begin therapy. Talking to a licensed therapist helped him understand his anxiety and panic attacks. He learned that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength.
In addition to therapy, Love adopted healthier coping strategies. He started practicing mindfulness and meditation, which helped him stay calm and focused. He also became more aware of the importance of sleep, diet, and exercise—not just for his body, but for his mind as well.
As his mental health improved, Love realized he wanted to help others who might be struggling in silence. In 2018, he launched the Kevin Love Fund, a foundation focused on mental health education and emotional well-being. The fund partners with schools, universities, and other organizations to provide tools and resources for people dealing with anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
Love’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed. He became a role model not just for young athletes, but for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed or alone. He gave a TED Talk titled “The Power of Vulnerability,” where he encouraged people to be open about their feelings. In the talk, he said, “It’s important to talk about these things. It’s important to let people know they’re not alone.”
Today, Kevin Love continues to use his platform to promote mental health awareness. Whether he’s speaking to students, writing essays, or working with mental health organizations, his message remains the same: It’s okay to not be okay. What matters is taking the steps to get help and supporting others along the way.
Famous Healthy Minds 