Professional athletes are human.
They are also capable of feeling emotions (contrary to what some people think) and they are not immune to personal problems, even if some of them earn a lot of money.
They say that money buys happiness… But that’s not always true either.
Patrik Laine experienced a situation like this.
He had to take a break from hockey to take care of his mental health and it was so intense at one point that he thought about giving it all up.
The striker – who now plays for the Montreal Canadiens – told the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast that he was depressed, that he was no longer functional, that he seemed to have reached the point of no return… And he even told Jarmo Kekalainen (his former GM) that he was not going to come back to Columbus to continue his career.
It’s over. I won’t come back. I won’t play anymore. – Patrik Laine
Ultimately, Laine returned to the game for the 23-24 season and his problems became even more significant.
It was there that he decided to withdraw from competition to heal:
It’s important to emphasize this because Patrik Laine made the right decision.
He prioritized his mental health over success and everything surrounding his career and that means that today, he feels happier than ever.
-He’s smiling again, he’s started scoring goals again in the National League and he’s having fun with his new team.
That’s all that’s important at the end of the day.
The attacker also does well by talking about this subject because it can help anyone understand the importance of taking care of themselves.
It brings more visibility to a more taboo subject… And this, even if we begin to understand why it is crucial to talk about it when things are less well.
All this to say that in my eyes, Patrik Laine must be seen as an example to young and old in today’s society.
He did what he had to do to heal himself, he had the courage to talk about it and we see where it led today.
Hats off, honestly.
In burst
– Oh.
– Your prediction for tonight’s match?
– Sick.
– Wow !
