Lewis Hamilton, the renowned Formula One driver, has recently opened up about his struggles with mental health.
Since the age of 13, Hamilton has been grappling with depression and is now considering seeking therapy to help him navigate these challenges.
At 39 years old, Hamilton has faced some profoundly difficult times throughout his life.
He candidly admitted that mental health issues have been a struggle for him since his teenage years. However, he has found moments of peace both on and off the racetrack.
Hamilton's reflections on his mental health come shortly after he broke a 945-day winless streak by claiming victory at the British Grand Prix.
This triumph marked his record-setting ninth win at Silverstone, bringing him back to the winner's circle after a long and arduous journey.
His victory was particularly emotional, as it was his first since December 2021, a race that preceded the intense drama of Abu Dhabi, where Max Verstappen denied him an eighth world title in a controversial finish.
As he crossed the finish line, Hamilton was visibly moved, shedding tears as he celebrated his comeback.
The Weight of Pressure
For Hamilton, those tears represented both relief and joy.
He expressed the immense pressure he has felt to maintain his status in a sport he is deeply passionate about. In an honest interview with The Times, he shared that as a young person, he often felt isolated and lacked someone to confide in about his mental health struggles.
He mentioned, “I spoke to one woman, years ago, but that wasn’t really helpful. I would like to find someone today.”
Throughout his journey, he has struggled to calm his racing thoughts but has discovered helpful tools such as meditation, early morning runs, silent retreats, and reading about mental health to clear his mind of negativity.
Childhood Challenges
Hamilton attributes some of his mental health issues to experiences in his childhood, particularly facing bullying and racism.
Growing up as a mixed-race child, he dealt with challenging situations that left a lasting impact.
His father, Anthony, of Grenadian descent, and his white mother, Carmen, provided support but often didn’t explain the harsh realities of racism to him.
He recalls his father advising him to remain silent and not to fight back, which led Hamilton to suppress his emotions instead. "There was no escaping it," he said, noting that he encountered racism everywhere.
His father's approach was intended to protect him, but it left Hamilton feeling trapped. "My dad was just, 'Keep your head down, hold it in, don’t say anything, just beat them on the track; that’s all you can do,'" he recalled.
Anthony was instrumental in Hamilton’s career, managing every aspect of his Formula One journey, including finances. However, in 2010, Hamilton realized he needed to step out on his own to grow and learn from his own experiences.
Parting ways with his father as his manager was a tough decision but one he deemed necessary.
“Obviously, parents try to protect their kids forever, and some don’t want to let go. My dad struggled with that,” Hamilton reflected.
Despite this, their bond remains strong, and when Hamilton won at Silverstone, it was his father who embraced him first, sharing in the moment's joy and emotion.
A Message of Hope
After his victory, Hamilton expressed, “I am still crying.
There is no greater feeling than to finish at the front here. It’s so tough for everyone.
But the important thing is how you continue to get up and dig deep even when you feel like you're at the bottom of the barrel.”
He acknowledged there were days when he doubted himself, especially since 2021, but credited the support of great people around him for helping him through.
Previously, in 2022, Hamilton addressed his mental health struggles after finishing 10th at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
He revealed that he had been “struggling mentally and emotionally,” emphasizing that it was a constant effort to keep moving forward.
Through his social media, he conveyed, “It has been such a tough year already with everything that is happening around us.
It’s hard some days to stay positive.” He encouraged others facing similar challenges, reminding them they are not alone and that they can overcome difficulties.
Hamilton’s journey reflects not only the pressures of being a top athlete but also the importance of mental health awareness and support.
His openness serves as an inspiration for others to seek help and share their experiences.
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