Overcoming the silence: Juan Manuel Fernandez’s journey to Mental Health
In anticipation of European Mental Health Week 2025, an initiative focused on the critical connection between mental health and social policies, we turn to the story of Juan Manuel Fernandez, a professional basketball player who overcame depression and has become an important advocate for mental health awareness.
The hidden struggle
For Juan, the first signs of mental health challenges were subtle but telling. "I couldn’t even take a walk with my family, and my mind was always in turmoil," he recalls. Sleep became his only escape, but it wasn’t enough to calm the mental chaos. The wake-up call came when he found himself wishing for an injury to avoid the demands of training and games. "That’s when I realized I had crossed a line," Fernandez admits.
The role of family support
Juan's recovery was made possible by the unwavering support of his family. "My wife was there every step of the way," he explains. "Even on my darkest days, when I couldn't speak or leave a dark room, she took the first step toward getting me help." This kind of support—both from loved ones and professionals—was essential in his recovery, highlighting the importance of a supportive network in overcoming mental health struggles.
Changing the relationship with basketball
Basketball had long been more than just a sport for Fernandez; it was his identity. "For most of my life, basketball was who I was," he reflects. "But after taking a break, I began to see it not as my entire identity, but as a tool for something greater." Today, Fernandez finds fulfillment in coaching others, an experience he finds more rewarding than any championship he ever won.
Managing Mental Health: tools and strategies
In addition to his career shift, Juan has embraced various strategies to manage his mental health. "I communicate openly with my wife, I journal, and I use meditation to calm myself when I feel overwhelmed." These strategies have become essential in maintaining balance, showing how important it is to care for oneself, even outside of professional demands.
The stigma around Mental Health: a global shift
Although some cultures still struggle to address mental health openly, Fernandez has noticed a global shift. "In the sports world, more athletes are talking openly about their struggles, and that has helped me feel less judged." This growing openness to discussing mental health is contributing to a cultural change that aims to reduce stigma and create a more accepting environment for those who need help.
A message for the future
Looking back, Fernandez wishes someone had told him to slow down and focus on knowing himself beyond his career. "We are so much more than what we do," he concludes. His message for future generations is clear: "Vulnerability is not weakness. Asking for help is a strength."
Conclusion
Juan Manuel Fernandez’s journey is a powerful example of how personal support and a balanced sense of identity can help overcome mental health struggles. His story aligns with the theme of European Mental Health Week 2025, which focuses on the crucial role of social policies in supporting mental well-being. This year’s theme emphasizes the need to address the root causes of poor mental health—such as inequality, unemployment, and lack of access to services—and the importance of investing in social rights as a foundation for mental health.
Through his openness and courage, Fernandez is helping break the stigma around mental health, encouraging others to seek help and embrace a healthier approach to life and well-being. His story reminds us that mental health is not just an individual matter but a shared responsibility, shaped by the support we give one another and the social structures we build together.