It's not something that's talked about often in the world of sports, but a few athletes are starting to openly share their struggles with mental health.
Toronto Raptors' star, DeMar DeRozan, is receiving an outpouring of support from his fans ever since he shared publicly about his battle with depression.
This depression get the best of me...
— DeMar DeRozan (@DeMar_DeRozan) February 17, 2018
After a playing steady streak of games in February, the Raptors earned had a game-free space in the schedule from Feb. 14 to Feb. 23. In interviews, he often appears quiet and reserved. But during some much-needed downtime, the four-time NBA All-Star tweeted at 4 a.m., "This depression get the best of me."
Since then, he's talked more openly about his struggles and has inspired other athletes to come forward, including Kevin Love, of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who thanked DeRozan for "opening that door for me."
#EveryoneIsGoingThroughSomethinghttps://t.co/355HcQesfI pic.twitter.com/EbPVlIRTw1
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) March 8, 2018
DeRozan, the 28-year-old shooting guard with a $27.7-million salary, has seen huge success in his career, but admits to struggling with inner battles—regardless of his outward success.
His fans were moved by DeRozan's honesty and put together a campaign to show their support, playing off something DeRozan tweeted when he first joined the Raptors.
In 2010, Chris Bosh, a key player, left the Raptors to play for the Miami Heat. To show he was committed to the Raptors and set the fans at ease, DeRozan tweeted, "Don't worry, I got us."
This March, a group of DeRozan fans created a GoFundMe campaign called, Project Don't Worry We Got You.
The campaign aims to raise $80 to publish a book filled with supportive messages and pictures from fans to DeRozan.
The campaign runs until March 23.
All other proceeds will be donated to Lupus Canada, a cause that's close to the player's heart.
Family Over Everything.
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) February 19, 2018
Happy #FamilyDay, T.O. pic.twitter.com/YYQN3Vl42W
When he was young, his mother, Diane, was diagnosed with Lupus, an autoimmune disease. His aunt also struggles with the disease. Since joining the Raptors, he's become an ambassador for Lupus Canada.
"Whether I support one person, or a thousand people, I’d like to inspire families to overcome their challenges and better understand what they’re facing," he said in an interview with Lupus Canada.
At the @Spalding #SpaldingBackcourt space with @Dame_Lillard yesterday. #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/63boyDUDd7
— DeMar DeRozan (@DeMar_DeRozan) February 18, 2018
Born in Compton, California, he attended Compton High School and was ranked as one of the top college recruits in the country in 2008.
In 2009, he was drafted by the Toronto Raptors and has led the team to several first-place standings in the Eastern Conference including the 2017-2018 season.
Eastern Conference Player of the Week @DeMar_DeRozan of the @Raptors (24.8ppg, 4-0) in action! pic.twitter.com/E8pFdnDOtq
— NBA (@NBA) March 12, 2018
On March 12, DeRozan was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week.
