"I could not stand being alone in my brain"
Big shout out to Robin Lehner, who alongside Thomas Greiss won the William M. Jennings Trophy this weekend for the fewest goals conceded in a regular hockey season.
I could talk about how the Islanders went from last in goals conceded last season to first this, something no side has ever done in 100 years, but instead I wanted to spotlight Lehner's open battle with mental health which turned into addiction via self-medication as he didn't want to show any sign of weakness.
At the end of last season the Bison dropped him and via extensive treatment was diagnosed with bipolar and ADHD with PTSD and trauma. Since then he won a contract with the Isles and has gone on to become one of the best keepers in the league.
Robin is a great example of what can happen when men stop and speak about their mental health challenges and are supported by their partners, families, employers and co-workers. Life doesn't have to be miserable and you don't have to become a tired cliche in order to papier mache over your perceived cracks in your masculinity. Everyone has a nadir or two over a lifetime.
If you're worried about your own mental health, I suggest having a read here and maybe speaking to someone close to you: