Ben Gordon: “Where Is My Mind”

[UConnKev]

Where Is My Mind? | By Ben Gordon

Don’t worry about what anybody says. Don’t worry about how your boys react to it, or about what people got to say about it on social media.

www.theplayerstribune.com

Pretty alarming piece by Ben.

 

[UConnRock]

Alarming may not be the right word. They key is that the story is not about Ben, but is written by Ben. He has faced his problems and is moving in the right direction.

 

[CTBasketball]

Alarming? I thought this was great insight into what Ben was going thru. And it sounds like he's doing a lot better - I'm praying for one of our guys.

 

[UConnKev]

Alarming probably wasn’t the best choice of words. I didn’t realize how bad it had gotten for him to get to the point of contemplating suicide.

 

[formerlurker]

Some background, Kev.

‘I feel very empowered': Former Bull Ben Gordon opens up about his struggles with mental health to try to help others

In some ways, as Ben Gordon splashed a three-pointer inside the Bulls’ practice facility recently, it felt like 2004 again. At his playing weight of 198 pounds and with his chiseled torso, one could argue Gordon looked the part. The jumper was pure, too. But the gray in Gordon’s goatee is one...

www.nbcsports.com

I see this as Ben telling his story directly to us, instead of through an SI drone like the article above. That's why the Player's Tribune exists. It's rawness may have alarmed you but read the SI article and then re-read Ben's PT again. Should relieve some of your concern my friend. Good looking out though.

 

[MilliniumPrince]

Whoa....damn, I am glad he wrote that. Glad he got arrested. Damn.

Alarming is the the right word. We see people, especially famous people, slide toward the edge and we laugh it off or ignore it. To read a description of what his descent was....alarming.

 

[Jay-Bone]

Glad he was able to realize he had a problem and get help. Delonte West hasn't been that lucky yet.

 

[NEforceUConn]

Tragic, and I'm happy he has learned to cope with it. Extremely courageous, but that's Ben Gordon. Prayers for a peaceful life.

 

[Lefty2one]

BG is my favorite player we've had (see avy). In the recent trend of mental health awareness and transparency from athletes, this is one of the more harrowing experiences I've read. It's heartbreaking what people's own brain can put them through. The human mind is one hell of a mystery. I hope he's found permanent peace and a support system that will work for the rest of his life.

 

[YearoftheHusky]

That shizz is deep. And here we are, myself included, living and dying on every game that we don’t even play. Perspective, man.

 

[B1GEast]

According to google. he still has a net worth of $20 million. At least he didn't end up broke. It's a lot easier to go down a difficult path when you don't have resources to help with medical bills. Glad he got help before it was too late.

 

[JB75]

God Benny was so nasty back in 04. God I miss those days. Hurts extra this time of year when we should be talking about if we’re going to be a 1seed. Instead we re discussing running table against the Tulanes of the world to possibly sneak an NIT bid. Geez.

 

[BLUEDOGHOUSE]

How Ben G. articulates his mental state as a basketball player and the contrast to his outward demeanor on the court was fascinating. Especially with all his subsequent mental health issues.

Thanks for sharing. Killer mindset on the court.

 

[zls44]

Ben's gonna save lives with this. Not just his own. The stuff he's going through, millions of people go through it every day.

Can't wait to get him back here for a game so he can get a huge ovation and remember how much he's loved here. His story can teach so much to the team, too.

 

[Kathy]

One of the best descriptions of a mind in distress I've read. There are so many out there where he was. And he is correct - society still isn't allowing that admission of needing help. I worked in mental health for years - that recognition of oneself is amazing when it happens.
I loved the way he described his on court persona - always had that outward calm and aloofness. Who knew it was a cover for the turmoil inside. Can't believe he went as long as he did keeping the turmoil hidden.
Wish you the best Ben - glad you are talking about it - maybe it will help others realize it is ok to admit you can't do it alone .

 

[HuskyHawk]

Really a nice piece to help us understand what went on with him. What’s going on. Kudos to Ben for having the courage to put himself out there in this way. Maybe he can help others.

 

[Vancat]

Wow.

 

[Stinger92860]

Very powerful article and introspection. How many people get out of the cycle or loop as he calls it. He should be able help other people.

 

[UConnStats]

Hope he stays on the path he’s on now and we can have a day celebrating him at Gampel in the coming years.

 

[superjohn]

Ben Gordon will save some lives with this. His openness is amazing.

 

[EdgewoodNHV]

Beautiful piece. Really illuminating.

Once you've hit the point of your mental illness that you can talk about it, it usually means you aren't in the worst of it. Which is great.

It is especially inspiring because so many Black Americans are suffering under the stigma of not being able to get mental health help. With any luck being this open will help inspire others to seek the help they need.

I hope he is doing okay and finds peace.

 

[UConNation]

Ben Gordon will save some lives with this. His openness is amazing.

Superjohn, you're 100% right with this. People are ashamed of mental health. Afraid to call out for help. I hope that a person with his status will show people, and give them the courage, that it's OK to be honest about needing to seek help. Knowing when to seek help, knowing when you've battled the demon long enough, knowing that you're too tired and weary to fight anymore on your own. That's honesty and truth. Asking for help, that's courageous. Really proud of Ben.

 

[outlaw]

this piece will give strength to those who need it - well done, BG.

thankful he got the help he needs. he's one of our own

 

[Lynyrd]

Always loved Ben Garden, now love him even more. God Bless him.

 

[HooperScooper]

I've never been in that state so it's tough to understand. But reading his piece paints a picture that you can see how depression takes hold of someone. That was enlightening.