We Lost to Suicide..: Staunch Advocate of Mental Health Alongside MichaelPhelps and Serena Wi

May 2024 · 3 minute read

Sensitive times call for sensitive measures. In an era where mental health lows are hitting the hardest, people from all walks of life are becoming more susceptible to accepting change. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay if one doesn’t have all the solutions yet. Just keep fighting because, cliché as it may be, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout is here to remind everyone of exactly this with his campaign.

Having lost his brother-in-law and best friend to suicide in 2018, Trout’s life was forever changed. It was an unimaginable loss because it was intentional, not accidental. But rather than being pressed down by the trauma, the slugger decided to do something about it. And so was born his ‘Your Game Isn’t Over Yet’ campaign. Now, he’s back with another act of kindness.

Mike Trout Continues Unending Support During Suicide Prevention Month

The thing about mental health troubles is that anyone, absolutely anyone, can be affected. The Angels player is not the only athlete who is fighting this fight – 28x Olympic medalist Michael Phelps has been open about his struggles with depression and anxiety. So has WTA legend Serena Williams, who has always been a proponent for setting boundaries when it comes to preserving one’s well-being.

Mike Trout joins these global athletes in his efforts to decrease the stats on suicide and anyone suffering from mental health crises. The center fielder’s campaign is a partnership with sports apparel brand Tiny Turnip, officially licensed by Major League Baseball. Their motto is ‘Your Game Isn’t Over Yet’, a collaboration that other MLB teams have also supported.

Yesterday, Trout announced a giveaway to honor Suicide Prevention Month, where 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The details of the giveaway are given in the caption.

Furthermore, when fans poured in with comments of support and their own stories, the slugger was ready to listen.

Baseball Fans Share Their Heartbreaking Tales

Mike Trout is officially a Mental Health Ambassador for the league, which means he has pledged unending support to the cause. When fans shared their own stories of having lost a loved one to suicide, Trout was there to lend a willing ear.

“It’s Okay to Ask For Help”: Mike Trout Continues Powerful Pledge for Suicide Prevention With Dak Prescott and Kevin Love

“Order #9619 Thank you so much for doing this! I’m walking with AFSP later this month in honor of my grandfather who we lost to suicide earlier this year. Such an important cause” wrote one fan. To which Trout replied, “@cararulz thank you so much. Sending love and support to your family”

Others also shared their painful tales, “Wearing my shirt to honor my nephew, Duncan, who we lost 4yrs ago today. Order #9337”

Many simply supported the cause and better advocacy for mental health support. “Ya’ll are incredible ❤️❤️❤️❤️”

“I bought my shirt at the stadium to support!!”

“Order #9340 so happy to be able to support this great cause”

Let’s continue breaking stigmas around something that should be a normal part of health checkups. If the physical body can be cared for, why not the mind too?

WATCH THIS STORY – Mike Trout Joins Forces With LeBron James and Tiger Woods in Groundbreaking $40 Billion Partnership, Pioneering Mental Health Advocacy

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