Michael Phelps gets real on why he didn’t overdose during dark times

Michael Phelps is opening up about his mental health.

The 28-time Olympic medalist was interviewed by NBC Nightly News’ Tom Llamas about how he was coping with his mental health struggles in a new series called “Great Americans,” airing on Friday, April 17, per People. The series captures people who are using their platforms to strengthen their communities.

In the emotional interview, Phelps, who has been advocating for mental health over the years, shared with Llamas that he was “prescribed Ambien at the time” as he battled thoughts about “not wanting to be alive anymore.”

He shared the thoughts he shared about possibly taking too much of the medicine if he had access.

“You know, I’m happy I only had 30 milligrams left,” said Phelps, as he wondered if he had “100 [milligrams],” he “probably would have taken it all.”

“And who knows if I’m sitting here today?” Phelps said. “So for me at that point, I was like, ‘Something’s gotta change.'”

The thoughts prompted him to search for a way out, and that’s when he knew he wanted better for himself as he”asked for help.”

He called it “was the first time I ever saw myself and saw the reflection in the mirror of me.”

Phelps shared that though he was excelling on the outside racking up 23 gold medals and is the most decorated Olympian in history, that’s essentially all he saw in himself too.

“My whole career, I looked in the mirror and saw somebody with a pair of goggles and a swimming cap, not somebody with feelings and emotions,” Phelps admitted.

“I never saw myself as a human being,” he added.

However, that outlook has changed over the years and described what he know sees in the mirror.

“It’s a gray beard and a man bun, and I love it because I’m able to talk about my feelings and emotions.”

The special will air on NBC on Friday, April 17 as NBC Nightly News airs weekdays at 6:30 p.m. ET.

The post Michael Phelps gets real on why he didn’t overdose during dark times appeared first on ClutchPoints.