October 2023 Edition
Historically the sports community did not always have mental health advocates. Fortunately today, we do. This month, I wanted to focus on Drew Robinson, who has become an inspiration to so many.
Historically the sports community did not always have mental health advocates. Fortunately today, we do. This month, I wanted to focus on Drew Robinson, who after his near tragic experience has become an inspiration to so many.
Drew, a former MLB player, now serves as a mental health advocate for the San Francisco Giants. In April 2020, he attempted suicide. He lost his right eye from the incident, but he miraculously survived. Since then, Drew has publicly shared his story in an effort to help others who are suffering in silence like he once did.
His explanation about wanting a part of your life to end compared to wanting your life to end is powerful. It’s such a profound concept when considering someone’s mental health struggles.
Drew’s perspective on perfectionism is spot on. We need to accept that being perfect in any endeavor is not realistic.
Read more about what Drew shared in his recent interview with Esquire. His willingness to open up and be vulnerable in interviews like this one is commendable. I have great respect for the work he is doing with the Giants organization and the mental health community.
Be well.
Walt Norley
OnBalance Founder & CEO
Athletes onbalance
Check out our podcast, Athletes OnBalance, where we hear from top athletes, coaches and experts discuss and destigmatize mental health in sports. Below is a clip from our latest episode featuring Dr. Katie O'Neal, Chief Medical Advisor for the Southeastern Conference (SEC). For more episodes and to listen to the full episode with Dr. O'Neal, visit our website.
Onbalance News
OnBalance has expanded its roster. We are excited to welcome Mike Todd (Chief Operating Officer), Terri Reese (Director of Customer Success) and Jenna Steinbrink (Director of Operations) to our operational team.
Job posting! We are looking for an experienced and dedicated mental and behavioral health professional within collegiate athletics to add to our roster as Director of Health & Wellness. For more information, click here.
OnBalance is the mental health care and performance management platform for athletics. If you want to better protect your athletes from tragedy, OnBalance can help.