Imagine standing on the podium at an Olympic Games and holding a gold medal?
Such an experience not only rewards those who have helped, but gives thanks to the hours of training and dedication. Ultimately, holding a gold medal acknowledges to the tens of millions watching around the world, that you are the best-of-the-best on earth.
One such athlete is Matthew Mitcham.
Mitcham stunned the crowd watching the 10-metre diving event by scoring 112 points in his final dive to win gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
You would think after such an achievement, Matthew Mitcham could bask in the memories of his former glory.
But Mitcham drifted into an awful place.
Mitcham admitted in a BBC interview he became addicted to crystal meth after the games. He said, “It got dark. My self-esteem was shattered, at times killing myself seemed like the easiest way to deal with this, but I finally took myself to rehab.”
Matthew Mitcham explained that his life was much happier now, “I’m proud of not only what I won, but being able to do it all as an openly gay man.”
Mitcham married is partner Luke Rutherford in 2016. He uses his past glory and high profile to speak against oppression of gay people in other places around the world, saying he looks back on his life with kinder eyes now.
Practicing clinical psychologist and Professor Emeritus at the University of New Brunswick, David A. Clark, Ph.D. says gloomy thoughts are normal. It’s how the brain works.
Perhaps self-esteem is not congratulating your success in daily monotones, but fostering a little forgiveness.
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