Earlier this week, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles withdrew from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
In a statement, USA Gymnastics announced that Biles had withdrawn "in order to focus on her mental health."
While some people were upset, there is a bigger picture here: Biles' withdrawal serves as a reminder that we push kids too hard.
Here's why.
"I truly do feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders at times. I know I brush it off and make it seem like pressure doesn’t affect me but damn sometimes it’s hard hahaha," she wrote.
This is on top of the pressures from schoolwork, home life, social engagements, etc. In trying not to disappoint others, they're letting themselves down.
A sprained ankle causes them to slow down or a panic attack reminds them that self-care has to come first.
This could look like taking rest days or talking to a trained mental health professional.
"The outpouring love & support I’ve received has made me realize I’m more than my accomplishments and gymnastics which I never truly believed before," she wrote on Instagram.
This gal deserves a gold medal for encouraging others to prioritize their mental health!
