Old Time Family Baseball: Evan Gattis Overcomes

oldtimefamilybaseball:

By this point, you probably know the story of Evan Gattis: the rookie catcher absolutely crushing the baseball for the Braves after battling drug addiction and wandering around the country, working menial jobs and trying to find himself. 

This week, in an interview with Bob Nightengale for USA Today, Gattis revealedjust how dark things were for him: 

“I was in a mental hospital. I couldn’t sleep for an entire week, and I knew something was wrong with me. So I got admitted. I was so depressed, all I could think about was killing myself.

“I wanted to kill myself for a long time.”

While Gattis’ ability to overcome his issues, thanks in part to therapy and medication, make for a great human interest story, his own tale has broader reaching implications beyond just baseball.

Along with the debate over gun ownership in this country, a corollary to the discussion has been America’s response to those with mental health problems.  Part of that is the still present stigma for those with mental health issues and the lack of readily available resources. Gattis, who seems to be happy to be a symbol of hope for others that struggle with similar issues, is proof that there is a future and there is no shame in getting the help that you need. 

I strongly recommend that you read the full article and I guarantee you’ll come away even more impressed with Gattis’ play.