On The TunneySide of Sports July 9, 2018 #700 Up next…I need help!
After further review…”The words “I love you” are important for family and friends. It gives the recipient a sense of self-worth. Indeed, this is a significant phrase, if said in a meaningful way. I need help are three other words not said often enough to help one survive a state of depression. Surely, we all have moments of discouragement and loneliness that, if not corrected, may lead to depression.
As a life-long educator, I have seen depression in many young people as well as adults. Depression can often lead to people taking their own lives. Tragic, indeed. Statistics indicate that in the 15 to 24 age group, suicide is the second leading cause of death. This was highlighted in a recent Sports Illustrated story about Tyler Hilinski, age 21, a former Washington State quarterback, who took his own life on September 16, 2017. To some, he was “Sweet T,” “Big Ty,” and “Superman”, especially after he threw for 241 yards and three touchdowns in a triple overtime game defeating Boise State, the best game of his life.
Success or failure is not who you are; not even that which you may have achieved – or failed to achieve. It’s just a moment in time. There is much more to be said about the Hilinski tragedy, but we’ll leave it to you to research, if interested. What is important about the Hilinski family is their attitude of not asking “why,” but more about asking “how?” How can they help this from happening to others? That’s paying-it-forward. Of course, the family continues to suffer, perhaps for a lifetime. However, some of that suffering may diminish by helping others.
Kevin Love is an NBA star playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who advanced to the NBA finals in the 2017-18 season losing to the Golden State Warriors. Love who played one season at U.C.L.A. after great success at Lake Oswego High School in Oregon is the son of Stan Love, who also had success as an NBA player. He is also the nephew of Mike Love. one of the founding members of the Beach Boys. Kevin has had success on and off the court. However, perhaps his profound success was seeking help for the depression he suffered in 2017.
His “I need help cry, all-too-often embarrassed to be used by famous athletes, perhaps saved Love from diving deeper into depression. Kevin wrote of “creating a better environment for talking about mental health and the need to remember that everyone is going through something we can’t see.”
Will you use your awareness to give attention to others who may need help?
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
To contact Jim, go to JimTunney.com or email Jim@JimTunney.com.
NEW: Jim’s new Podcast ‘TunneySide of Sports’ will be up and running shortly. Stay tuned. Meanwhile, he is available for speaking engagements. His bobblehead and books are listed on his website.
Jim’s books are full of inspiration and interesting stories. Please visit his online store to learn more.
Be sure to get Jim’s book ‘Another 101 Best of TunneySide of Sports’ by clicking this link or using the email above to contact Jim directly.
These TunneySides take issues from real-life situations and relate them as inspiration for the betterment of others.
Jim is available for speaking engagements on leadership and T*E*A*M Building. His books are available for $20 which includes shipping and tax. The Tunney Bobblehead is available for $30. Please visit JimTunney.com. Thank you!
