More on the Eagles’ Shawn Andrews

As a man—especially as an African-American man—Shawn Andrews was at a disadvantage in having his clinical depression addressed. But a story in the Delaware County Times shows Andrews is feeling better about things.

“They were very concerned and I was on the edge,” Andrews said Saturday. “Things weren’t going well so I felt like I must open up before it’s too late. I won’t say that I contemplated suicide but I had some very – I guess in my mind – unrealistic thoughts about a lot of things. I was really lost and just really felt like there was no outlet. I know my mom was there but I want the rest of her life to be worry-free so I try and keep everything from her. I just felt alone, you know?” ….

“I guess now that I’ve spoken about my issues or my clinical depression if you will, I think it really lifted a weight off of me because I received so many letters and emails, good and bad. But I just pay attention to the good ones and the people that I inspire that let me know that. I’ve received a lot of phone calls from public figures and people who have gone through what I’m going through. I’ve also learned that, among African American men, and really men period, we just hold things in. Whether it’s a football player or a man, you are still like, ‘I’m a man – nothing bothers me.’ But, if you internalize it, it has to come out somewhere. People question my silliness but I’m a fun-loving guy. Being around people, I don’t care what creed you are, it just ignites my silliness. You’ll never know if I’m hurting on the inside. I found out.”

Count us among those sending you good wishes, Shawn.

liz | 4:35 PM | Uncategorized