Michael Phelps reached a critical mental health breaking point following the 2012 Games, locking himself in a room for three days in the fetal position and contemplating suicide, according to accounts shared years later. Nearly 14 years after that dark period, the Olympic gold medalist has transformed into a vocal mental health advocate, partnering with online therapy platform Talkspace and using his platform to dismantle the stigma around male vulnerability and the male loneliness epidemic.
The 2012 Crisis and Finding Help Through Therapy
According to accounts of his struggles, Phelps spent three days isolated in a room without food or communication after the 2012 Olympics, battling severe depression. For a long time, he viewed himself purely through the lens of athletic equipment. “For a long time, I looked at myself in the mirror and I saw a person with a pair of goggles and a swim cap on, not somebody with feelings and emotions,” Phelps stated in a video chat. Recognizing he needed help, he checked into a treatment center for 45 days to learn how to process his depression. Later, in 2018, he partnered with the online therapy platform Talkspace.
Tackling the Male Loneliness Epidemic and Parenting with Vulnerability
Recent data underscores a broader societal crisis. A 2025 Gallup survey found recently that 1 in 4 men aged 15-34 report feeling lonely, compared to 18% of women, while experts raise alarms about young men being drawn into the online “manosphere.” As the father of four boys (Boomer, 10; Beckett, 8; Maverick, 7; and Nico, 2), Phelps is actively working to break generational cycles of silence. “As a male athlete for so many years, you’re supposed to be this big macho, strong, tough dude that doesn’t show vulnerability,” Phelps noted. To counter this, he and his wife, Nicole Johnson Phelps, introduced emotional regulation tools at home, including a technique called the “lion breath,” which allows their children to roar and scream like a lion, drop their shoulders, and articulate their feelings safely.
Michael Phelps’ Personal Mental Health Checklist and Support Network
When managing difficult days, Phelps relies on a personal checklist recommended by his wife, which includes getting into the swimming pool—a place where he can turn his brain off and not think because swimming is second nature after 25 years. According to his disclosures, his mental health checklist features playing golf, cold plunges, hanging out with friends, going to the gym to lift weights or do cardio, and utilizing Talkspace for virtual therapy sessions from hotel rooms. Additionally, he leans on a group chat with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Jay Glazer, Andrew Whitworth, Sean McVay, Dan Quinn, and Mark Kerr. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been on the phone to every single one of them, on FaceTime just bawling my eyes out,” Phelps said, emphasizing the power of human connection over AI chatbots.
Did You Know?
In addition to his individual advocacy, Michael Phelps’ partnership with Talkspace has expanded into local communities, supporting initiatives such as free telehealth therapy programs for high school students in Baltimore County Public Schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired Michael Phelps to become a mental health advocate?
Following severe struggles with depression and suicidal ideation after the 2012 Olympics, Phelps checked into a treatment facility and later realized the widespread nature of hidden emotional pain when carrying the flag in the opening ceremonies in 2016.
How does Michael Phelps practice emotional regulation with his children?
Phelps and his wife utilize a trick called “lion breath,” where their sons get to roar and scream like a lion to drop their shoulders before sitting down to discuss why they are feeling what they are feeling or doing what they are doing.
What is Michael Phelps’ mental health checklist?
His routine includes playing golf, cold plunges, hanging out with friends, going to the gym to lift weights or do cardio, attending virtual therapy sessions via Talkspace from hotel rooms, and talking through emotional struggles with a group chat of successful men.
If you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support, please call, text, or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7 access to free and confidential services.
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