Summary: When an athlete stands on the Olympic podium, a spectrum of emotions come into play...not all of them joyful. For Brittany MacLean, Canadian national record holder in the 400m, 800m, and 1500m freestyle swim, the Bronze medal in Rio was a serious eye opener. Objectively, she knew it was a huge achievement, but inside? The normally exuberant young woman felt mostly disappointed and depressed about the experience. MacLean took that insight, and built a deep understanding of problems that many athletes face. When competitors pour all their energy into one goal, it can be dangerous. Self- worth gets caught up in results that are beyond an athlete's control. And even if everything goes perfectly, careers come to a halt, eventually. What self esteem can athletes retain, once they stop doing the sport that defined them? MacLean has come to grips with her own depression, and continues to grow from it to this day. Just because this is a time in history when extraordinary numbers of people are suffering mental health setbacks, does not mean that our own problems are any less deserving of respect and attention.
