Urban Meyer and his Battle with Mental Illnesses
September 13th, 2016 at 2:30 PM ^
Imagine the anxiety and depression he's going to deal with when we start ruining his season every year. Kidding aside, my wife deals with crippling anxiety at times and it's only gotten worse with children. She gets so filled with fear and worry that it can be debilitating. I get so frustrated at times because there isn't much I can do to help her. She refuses to take any medication, which we're both leery of. Luckily she has great support in her life to talk her through it and her new found faith to lean on.
I believe that a big contributing factor to it is the fact that she grew up in a home where it was projected on her for years by a parent. If you deal with these issues and have kids please seek help, not only for yourself but for your kids. We all have flaws and weaknesses. It's Ok, there are people out there who's life purpose is to help people like you.
September 13th, 2016 at 4:44 PM ^
I'm in the same boat caring for someone else with extreme anxiety likely due to a parent's projection of theirs.
Meds did the trick 100% but were causing weight gain and lethargy so it's been a roller coaster since quitting them.
Diet+Exercise
Herbals:
MJ(not always an option)
HCF(Happy Calm Focused?)
Passion Flower(calming before bed)
Lavender scent
Nightly Tea
These are some of the things that I've found to help but YMMV. I mean Diet+Exercise are really the obvious one too many miss out on. It may or may not help everyone though, if it's a chemical imbalance I'd suggest trying a few meds or a super low dosage to get it into the manageable range and then focus on managing it.
There is no "super pill" though IMO, unless it's solely a massive chemical imbalance.
September 13th, 2016 at 9:14 PM ^
September 13th, 2016 at 2:34 PM ^
Thank you for posting the article - it was a really great read. It helped, and it's appreciated.
September 13th, 2016 at 2:36 PM ^
I used to think Meyer was a slimeball scumbag back from his days at Florida. His Bible-thumping recruiting antics, "heart attack" and subsequent acceptance of the OSU job all came off as an act. "This guy follows the rules," I thought, "but beyond that, he would resort to anything to win, no matter how scummy." And it seems I was right, at least as far as UF Meyer goes. By his own admission, that's right where he was.
Thing is, and I've been noting this publicly, I haven't seen the same sort of disciplinary debacles at OSU that I've seen at Florida. He's been pretty quick to suspend players, even ones he needs. It's not on the level of Harbaugh -- some of their players are undisciplined and others are stupid -- but overall it doesn't seem to be anywhere near as toxic as the "Perp U" he turned Florida into. And it's been going on way too long, and he's been recruiting way too successfully, to dismiss as simply keeping an eye out for public scrutiny. It's like he's been a completely different coach.
This makes a lot more sense. His culture at UF WAS toxic, but that makes perfect sense if the illness stemmed from the HC himself. OSU is a much healthier program in a mental sense, and for a long time I wondered what the hell was going on.
September 13th, 2016 at 3:04 PM ^
It took a few years for that news to start filtering out when he was in Gainesville. It really wasn't until about year year four.
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September 13th, 2016 at 2:37 PM ^
September 13th, 2016 at 2:40 PM ^
BR article about a hated rival and we're all upvotes. This blog gets a ton of heat from some who don't understand our community, but this is what it's all about. When it comes down to it, spectacular article, great story, and a classy response. Kudos to everyone, particularly BR Mag for a great longform article.
September 13th, 2016 at 5:57 PM ^
Some of us, at least.
September 13th, 2016 at 2:46 PM ^
i will refrain from mentioning boogers for 36 hours.
September 13th, 2016 at 2:57 PM ^
September 13th, 2016 at 2:59 PM ^
September 13th, 2016 at 2:59 PM ^
September 13th, 2016 at 3:28 PM ^
I'm actually thankful for people like him who are willing to discuss such a private matter. I come from a family with far-reaching mental illness, everything from severe depression and suicide to bipolar disorder to anxiety. I thought I had escaped it but at age 48, I found myself with moderate anxiety and mild depression, and it was distressing enough for me to seek treatment. My children also suffer from social anxiety.
My wish is that we could change the term from "mental illness" to "mental health." We need to address mental health before it becomes an illness, if possible. We have gym class to take care of our bodies, let's have mental health classes to take care of our emotional well-being. Let's teach kids at an early age to recognize their own mental health, and provide guidance for how to deal with issues when they arise. I know kids in high school who suffer from a variety of mental issues, and it seems like they disappear into their houses, and separate from the rest of the students because of the taboo of "mental illness." We should try to normalize it by giving it a name that isn't so scary. At least it's a start.
September 13th, 2016 at 3:36 PM ^
very well said. Also, just a small piece of advice. If you haven't already done so, I would get a blood test done just to rule out anything funky that may trigger your anxiety/depression. I had undiagnosed thyroid disease that really wreaked havok on me! Helped a ton with my anxiety/depression symptoms once I got that fixed
September 13th, 2016 at 3:47 PM ^
I've found that exercise is a major help with anxiety and depression. I don't mean to suggest it's a replacement for seeing a physician (or to suggest that I'm a physician). But it's a significantly effective supplement to treatment for me.
I realize it's a lot easier for me to say this than for people to exercise. But even walking a half a mile a day to start out can make a big difference.
September 13th, 2016 at 5:00 PM ^
Yes, I feel better after I exercise. It is a must if you're dealing with depression/anxiety. I find that my son, who has mild depression, seems more "up" after he's worked out, too. As for thyroid, I get mine checked every year, and it is normal. But I think all the research on gut bacteria and depression is fascinating. I now can attest to the fact that it is very much a physiological phenomenon and not an emotional weakness. That's why I'd love it if we could go beyond the term "illness." I think that's pretty limiting.
September 13th, 2016 at 3:33 PM ^
Insurance can cover some costs, but appointments with actually psychiatrists may not happen for months. the only access are crisis centers or temporary fixes. Saying insurance coverage has improved is probably the nicest way to describe insurance companies regarding mental health issues.
September 13th, 2016 at 3:50 PM ^
But I've recieved 2 1/2 years of free counseling from a mix of professionals and interns working on their masters. There are programs out there that can help those who need it, just have to dig for them sometimes. My first year and a half was while I was in school. My college offered free counseling to students and I took advantage. Once I graduated, I found another nearby service from a church. I also attended a 12-step faith-based program that I've been a part of for the past year and a half and am now in training to become a facilitator for our group. Counseling through that program came with unlimited visits since I was a part of the 12-step thing.
In my opinion, everyone needs counseling in some form or another. I do wish it were more available to those who so desperately need it. Church-based programs like the one I'm a part of are a great resource, even if you have no religious affiliations, because of their availability and they are usually either free or will work with you if you have financial issues. Ours is free except for the materials, which cost me $25 one time. Even those who can't find professional counseling on the cheap can likely find some similar group in their area that can at least surround them with people who struggle just like they do and can validate their thoughts, feelings and experiences.
People don't open up like Urban has overnight. It takes being around people who are willing to listen with understanding.
September 13th, 2016 at 3:56 PM ^
September 13th, 2016 at 4:08 PM ^
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September 13th, 2016 at 4:08 PM ^
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September 13th, 2016 at 4:24 PM ^
that more than 1 in 5 people over 18 experience some form of mental illness at some point in their lives. I think it's higher than that. When I went through my problems many years ago, I was very open about it from the beginning. I was shocked at all the family members and friends I had that opened up to me about experiencing the same things. Some of the people in my life that seemed the strongest/toughest were really struggling. Our society is way too focused on material things and having as much as possible. This world would do itself a great favor to just chill out, enjoy people more than possesions and search for peace instead of more pieces! KUMBAYA!!!!
September 13th, 2016 at 4:42 PM ^
September 13th, 2016 at 4:44 PM ^
Mental illness is much more common than we think. And like most diseases, it's a spectrum of severity. Thank you to the OP for the link and starting discussion on this board.
September 13th, 2016 at 4:53 PM ^
The pressures and demands that are on coaches and players in big time college football programs are way beyond what most fans think they understand.
If one isn't well balanced, the pressues definitely can cause a cruel downward spiral both physically and mentally, often with long term consequences.
It's great that Urban opened up and I wish him the best personally. Hopefully as others open up we can continue to learn from it and help others.
September 13th, 2016 at 4:55 PM ^
I am very new to the mental health battle... I got tinnitus about 6 months ago and until I saw a mental health professional I was in shit condition because of the anxiety it caused. I am eternally grateful for all the progress in the mental health field in the past few decades. Not sure I could cope without it.
+1 to B/R and Urban Meyer.
September 13th, 2016 at 5:40 PM ^
As have some other people here, I have also dealt with ankiety / depression, even being in and out of therapy for long stretches, for much of my life. It is a struggle, and it can be hard to accept or acknowledge it - I grew up in a family where that was seen as being weak, and that made it hard to get a lot of support from inside my family when I did start seeking counseling because my parents literally thought I was just going to blame them for things they saw as my fault, which is why my relationship with them today is very complex.
As for the article though, very well done and a very thoughtful insight into Urban Meyer. Ohio State or not, it is neat to get this sort of personal insight.
September 13th, 2016 at 5:40 PM ^
This is not mental illness...this is a personality type. Type A perfectionist who had an acute "collapse" while not being able to control everything. Yes, obsessive thinking is a symptom of mental illness, but until Urban Meyer is bed ridden with deep depression and suicidal thoughts and completely down the rabbits hole, I find it hard to have empathy for him as one suffering with "mental illness."
I think this is a great article to raise awareness about mental illness, personality traits, work-life balance, etc....but I have seen true mental illness, like mania, bipolar, schizophrenics and others suffering to the point of praying to be hit by a truck or anything to take them out of thei misery that is their own mind, and this guy is not one.
Sorry, call me a prick, but this guy was an overworked perfectionist who by choice found himself it his predicament.
September 13th, 2016 at 7:31 PM ^
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September 13th, 2016 at 7:46 PM ^
Agreed
September 13th, 2016 at 8:54 PM ^
What do you consider "true" mental illness? Just because someone isn't psychotic doesn't mean they don't have psychiatric illness. Those with moderate-severe personality disorders have no effective pharmacotherapy, limited psychotherapeutic options, poor insight into their condition, and can effect functionality and activities of daily living just as much as psychosis, depending on severity. They often struggle to find psychiatrists and therapists willing to handle their disorder and can easily delve into hopelesness.
Psychiatric disorders come in many forms. Unless you've examined Meyer, there's no way to know the quality or severity of his condition. Fortunately for him, his talent and social structure will allow him a better chance at success than most, but he also has many unique stressors being a big time CFB coach.
September 14th, 2016 at 10:50 AM ^
We are all human and all have stressor and all suffer or have suffered emotional and psychological pain. If this article helps anybody find help or better coping mechanisms then great, no harm done.
My point is that to compare Urban Meyer's struggles to those with life long debilitating mental illness caused by chemical imbalances is disingenuous. It is also disingenuous and a bit absurd if you compare Meyer's suffering to someone with PTSD from time spent in war with the military, as a victim of war, victim of rape, etc.
My take....the guy is like Jim Harbaugh, Bill Bellicheck, Nick Saban, etc....Type A personalities under stress to perform as a big time coach, guys obsessed with their jobs and winning. In Meyer's case, it appears he had worse coping mechanisms and/or outlets.
Again, if this article helps anybody, great, but Urban Meyer should not be the poster child for debilitating mental illness...its a stretch. And many of the acute stressors that caused him to reach the point of breakdown were controllable, unlike victims of serious trauma, if we wish to call acute episodes "mental illness" as you wished to debate.
Let's have a bit of perspective here.
September 13th, 2016 at 10:44 PM ^
The DSM-V defines Major Depression as someone who has either depressed mood and/or anhedonia as well as 3-4 more of the following symptoms:
- Significant weight changes
- Insomnia
- Psychomotor agitation
- Fatigue
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Diminished ability to think/concerntrate
- Suicidal ideation
Based on what is described in the article, it is not a stretch to say that Urban exhibited at least 5-7 of these symptoms.
September 14th, 2016 at 11:01 AM ^
that over 60% of Americans experience at least 1 depressive episode in their lives, while 10% are considered having major depression disorder.
Again, nuance. There is a difference between an episode or acute experience and as pathology and an actual debilitating lifelong condition.
I am not trying to downplay anybody's suffering, but yeah, have some perspective. The guy managed to win 2 national titles at FLorida with chronic major depression? Give me a break. Have you ever experienced true mental illness, where you can't get out of bed?
Meyer's experience was acute, stress related, lifestyle related and had more to due with coping than having lifelong battles going in and out of mental hospitals due to suicide attempts and/or psychotic episodes.
People suffer, he was suffering, point taken. But let's have some perspective.
September 13th, 2016 at 5:51 PM ^
September 13th, 2016 at 11:52 PM ^
September 14th, 2016 at 8:28 AM ^
September 14th, 2016 at 1:08 AM ^
September 14th, 2016 at 8:40 AM ^
September 14th, 2016 at 8:45 AM ^
My wife takes it as an intranasal spray. It took us a while to find a doctor willing to prescribe it off-label, and it costs $100 per month (insurance doesn't cover compounded medicines), but it works like magic when things are really bad. She can go from a sobbing mess ready to jump in front of a bus to being at least OK within 10 mins of taking it.
The effects of intranasal use don't last as long as an infusion, as the dose is much lower, but it can be a lifesaver.
My. $.02.
September 14th, 2016 at 10:58 AM ^
September 14th, 2016 at 9:32 AM ^
and being in control of about 1/4 of the world's nuclear arsenal also can put a bounce in your step, but it's a lot harder to fill the prescription.
kidding aside, very glad you have found coping mechanisms for a serious issue. hope you and the many others on this list get to a truly comfortable and sustainable place.
September 14th, 2016 at 10:50 AM ^
September 14th, 2016 at 12:29 PM ^
can't get a quick picker-upper and invade europe, or maybe create some chaos in syria. that kind of fun is hard to beat! you don't even need to see a counselor or a doctor for that, just call your commander and say, 'идти!
September 13th, 2016 at 7:04 PM ^
I think this is a good example of why we should try to assume good intentions in all people, and be open and understanding. Certainly something I try to do and makes me a happier person when I do it.
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September 13th, 2016 at 7:46 PM ^
I've struggled with various things like many who are writing here and someone like Meyer being so forthcoming can help a lot of people.
So I'll wait until this disappears off of the MGoBoard to start hating him again.
September 13th, 2016 at 8:26 PM ^
September 14th, 2016 at 4:15 PM ^
But the two are not mutually exclusive. I just don't like how it paints him as the victim of a debilitating mental illness, when in fact, much of the circumstances were due to acute stressors brought on by his own lack of coping / life choices.
I don't want to compare people's suffering and everyone's issues are big to them, but as I stated before...I have a bit more empathy for someone experiencing PTSD due to war or rape than someone stressed about winning college football games.
And to be open about it, as someone who is bipolar and suffered being bed ridden for months and in and out of hospitals, I find the article a bit disingenous. Again, suffering is suffering, but let's have some nuance and perspective here about what is acute and what is biological and a lifelong battle. IE, not every "nervous breakdown" is the same.
And I promise you, if he wouldn't have enabled and covered up for murderers and criminals with his team at UF, and allegedly cheated on his wife, his stressors may have been much less burdensome.
September 13th, 2016 at 8:51 PM ^
Great Coach.