PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown is urging people to seek help when they are struggling, sharing a message about mental health following several recent tragedies in sports and entertainment.
“Talk to someone. Get it off your chest. You’re not too tough to talk to someone,” Brown said in a video posted to Instagram, where he acknowledged “that it has been a tough year.”
His comments come after a series of suspected suicides.
In November, Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland was suspected of taking his own life after a high-speed chase.
Over the weekend, Vikings receiver Rondale Moore was found dead from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound.
And on Monday, actor Robert Carradine, known for “Revenge of the Nerds”, reportedly died by suicide. His family said he was bipolar.
Montgomery County marriage and family therapist, Dr. George James, said people who die by suicide often have a long history of internal struggle.
“It’s usually a thought they’ve had, it’s some ways where they’ve wrestled with it, they’ve maybe tried some things, or just feel overwhelmed. And I would say for anyone out there, if you feel overwhelmed,” he said.
Brown has previously spoken openly about his own mental health challenges.
James said the athlete’s message helps reduce stigma and reminds people that mental health issues affect individuals from all backgrounds.
“It doesn’t care where you come from, what side of the tracks, or how much money you have or don’t have,” he said.
He added that checking in with others and being honest about personal struggles is essential.
“And that’s why it’s so important that we just have those opportunities to check in on the people around us, including sharing yourself what might be going on with you,” James said.
The recent deaths have renewed calls from mental health advocates for continued awareness, open conversations, and support for those who may be struggling.
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