Lewis Hamilton Opens Up About Long Battle with Depression
Posted : 30 September 2024
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula One champion, revealed in a recent interview with The Times that he has struggled with depression from a young age, compounded by the pressures of pursuing a career in motor racing and experiencing bullying during his school years. Reflecting on his journey, the 39-year-old driver noted that these challenges began around the age of 13 and continued into adulthood, making it difficult for him to open up about his mental health struggles.
Having made his Formula One debut in 2007 and becoming the first Black driver in the series, Hamilton quickly rose to prominence, winning his first championship the following year and matching Michael Schumacher's record of seven titles in 2020. He expressed a sense of maturity that he feels today, attributing it to understanding the influences from his upbringing and recognizing patterns in his reactions. Hamilton emphasized that he has grown significantly, stating that issues that once angered him no longer do, as he has become more refined in his approach to life.
In an effort to support his mental health, Hamilton has explored practices like silent retreats. Although past experiences with therapy did not yield the results he hoped for, he is open to finding a therapist in the future. Currently sixth in the championship standings, the Mercedes driver is preparing for his next race in Austin next month and will be joining Ferrari next year, marking an exciting new chapter in his career.