One positive to come from the pandemic was the amount of attention given to mental health – and how important it really is. It also once again brought up the fact that men, in general, tend to be less inclined to seek help from others, instead choosing to adopt a more stoic approach and to be ‘manly’ (and how we really need to change that culture).
RELATED: Psychologist Explains ‘Viking’ Mentality We Shouldn’t Be So Quick To Dismiss
But now that more and more conversations are being had, and charities dedicated to men’s mental health are popping up all the time, it’s become ever more accepted that men suffer from internal battles just as much as women. We’ve actually seen some really positive steps of late, with a lot of positive actions being taken in terms of awareness (and real change) both from individuals and companies.
RELATED: ‘You’re Too Smart For This’: Comedian’s Mental Health ‘Clutch’ Message
Which is why, arguably, the latest developments around Australian basketball star Ben Simmons recently made such a splash in America.
The Australian NBA star, who currently plays for the Philadelphia 76ers as point guard, has been going through a tumultuous time of late, having missed the entire pre-season, along with several practice sessions, asking for a transfer request (despite having four years left on his contract) and has even been fined for missing games, practices and meetings.
And now, the New York Post claims Simmons has told his team he is not “prepared mentally” to play. However, the publication adds the 76ers have offered him assistance – and put a halt on the fines issued to him – but are “growing frustrated with Simmons’ refusal to accept assistance from the team to aid in his mental health.”
RELATED: The Uncomfortable Truth About Sports’ Ongoing Mental Health Debate
He is said to have previously worked with “mental health professional provided by the league,” but “has not provided information about those meetings to the Sixers.”
Important note in the latest Ben Simmons update:
— Justin Grasso (@JGrasso_) November 2, 2021
While Simmons has reportedly rejected to work with "team doctors," he has been working with mental health professionals through the NBPA. The original report was a bit misleading as it seemed like he was refusing help entirely.
Fox Sports adds Simmons is idolising a move to the Golden State Warriors, but several obstacles, such as how much they’d have to pay him, and the fact he may end up replacing Draymond Green (something the team isn’t prepared to do), lie in the way.
News.com.au further cites Shams Charnia of The Athletic as saying, “There’s no timetable on Simmons’ return to the floor.”
The news has sparked a delicate debate on Twitter, with some accusing Simmons of cashing in on the mental health movement of late (and exploiting it as a smokescreen), and others coming to his defence saying you can’t possibly assume to know his intentions or where his head is at.
Fascinating loophole in the @NBA for Ben Simmons when he states his “mental health” readiness. No more fines. pic.twitter.com/qHDdGZlv5z
— Jay Williams (@RealJayWilliams) November 2, 2021
it’s absolutely relevant that Ben Simmons has been demanding a trade for half a year, didn’t claim mental health issues until the Sixers were not paying him, made it know he would do anything to get traded, and won’t keep team abreast of outside treatment.
— Ben (@SlippinBenny) November 3, 2021
Smart move by Ben Simmons and Rich Paul. They knew mental health is the new thing. Sixers cant say he faking and he can still get paid in full no fines smh. https://t.co/y9DizGklWw
— Azor Ahai (@_50shadesofJaay) November 2, 2021
What Ben Simmons is doing by claiming mental stress mocks all those athletes – and everyone – who has shown the strength to come forward with genuine mental health issues.
— Glen Macnow (@RealGlenMacnow) October 21, 2021
One Twitter user wrote: “Ben Simmons isn’t going to see your commentary on his mental health but your friends on here that are struggling in silence are going to. This is one of those times if you don’t have something nice to say, you shouldn’t say anything at all.”
Ben Simmons isn't going to see your commentary on his mental health but your friends on here that are struggling in silence are going to. This is one of those times if you don't have something nice to say, you shouldn't say anything at all.
— Peter Palena (@pvpal1221) October 22, 2021
Another said: “I hope Ben Simmons mental health is good. I couldn’t imagine living while getting slandered online 24/7 it’s actually sad.”
Furthermore, Ben Simmons HAS been working with mental health professionals, just not with the 76ers, which is his choice. pic.twitter.com/kpsG9wsy0C
— Anthony Duckett (@a_duckett) November 2, 2021
While it’s positive news that the NBA star has reportedly already received help, and while it could well be Simmons simply would rather seek help on his own terms rather than through the 76ers, the whole saga proves what a loaded topic mental health still is (see: The Uncomfortable Truth About Sport’s Ongoing Mental Health Debate).
Ben Simmons story is intriguing. I did not know he had been seeing someone about his mental health for 2-3 months. So important he spoke to the whole team recently & discussed the issues head on-while taking some accountability. @ramonashelburne has covered this story so well. pic.twitter.com/g6TEPYnNuG
— Scooter (@ScooterMcNeice) October 28, 2021
We’re not ones to judge anyone – let alone Simmons – having never been in his shoes.
If you’d like to read more about men’s mental health, check out our discussion with psychologist Lars Madsen where were discus the benefits and drawbacks of taking a ‘viking approach’ to life in the 21st century…
Read Next
- Lando Norris’ Mental Health Admission Is A Wake Up Call For Millennials
- Important Mental Health Message Every Australian Needs To Be Reminded Of In 2021
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