It’s almost September, and with preseason football under way and the World Series only a couple months off, I’m looking forward to fall.

I love watching sports - which is kind of ironic, seeing as I’m one of the most unathletic, uncoordinated people on the planet.

I guess I like to live vicariously through my favorite athletes, marveling at what their bodies are capable of and enjoying the rush that comes from cheering a touchdown, home run, hat trick or gold medal (or eight gold medals).

However, as any athlete will tell you, physical ability is just one part of being successful. The mental component of sports can’t be overlooked, and athletes who can focus, handle the pressure and show toughness tend to do very well.

So, what happens when an athlete starts feeling anxious or depressed? He (or she) can struggle when it’s time to compete, even to the point of needing time off.

Sports Illustrated reports that last year,

… five major leaguers were placed on the disabled list for emotional disorders—the first “mental DLs” since [Kansas City Royals pitcher Zack] Greinke missed most of the ‘06 season. It was the largest total for any single season in baseball history and one more than the number for all other seasons in this decade combined.

That comes as Major League Baseball is doing more to help players with mental illnesses - and, I think, as men in general are being more open about their mental health.

Typically, women have disproportionately suffered much more than men in this area. And when we hear about a male athlete who’s overcome a problem, it’s frequently drug or alcohol addiction, as was the case with one of my favorite baseball players, Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers.

But we’ve thankfully come a long way since the 1970s, when politician Thomas Eagleton was removed as George McGovern’s vice presidential running mate after it was revealed that he had undergone shock therapy treatments for depression.

Today, male celebrities such as actor Zach Braff go public with their bouts with depression and still have successful careers.
And, in growing numbers, so do athletes (including one of my favorite swimmers, Ian Crocker).

I hope the culture - within the world of sports and outside of it - continues to change so men who need help can get it, and not let mental illness keep them from flourishing - and sharing their talents with the rest of us.