Kevin Love “Everyone Is Going Through Something”
Kevin Love, a five-time NBA All-Star, 2016 NBA Champion, and 2012 Olympic gold medalist, has built an impressive résumé over his 17-year NBA career. Averaging 16 points and 10 rebounds per game over nearly two decades, he has established himself as one of the league’s most reliable big men. Yet, despite his accolades and success, Love has faced mental health struggles—just like anyone else.
On November 5, 2017, during a home game against the Atlanta Hawks, Love experienced a life-changing moment. In the third quarter, he suddenly felt his heart racing, his breath shortening, and an overwhelming sense of fear creeping in. At that moment, he thought he was dying.
“After halftime, it all hit the fan... My heart was racing faster than usual. Then I was having trouble catching my breath. It’s hard to describe, but everything was spinning, like my brain was trying to climb out of my head. The air felt thick and heavy. My mouth was like chalk… I ended up on the floor in the training room, lying on my back, trying to get enough air to breathe.”
Love had his first ever panic attack that day. The attack changed his perception of mental health forever.
Breaking the Silence
For years, Love, like many male athletes, followed the unspoken rulebook of toughness: "Be strong. Don’t talk about your feelings. Get through it on your own” (Kevin Love.) But after that night, he realized that ignoring his mental health was no longer an option, nor a sign of weakness.
Shortly after, Love took the first step—seeking therapy. At first, he hesitated, feeling like he had no right to struggle given his career and success.
“I remember thinking, What are my problems? I’m healthy. I play basketball for a living. What do I have to worry about? I’d never heard of any pro athlete talking about mental health, and I didn’t want to be the only one. I didn’t want to look weak.”
But therapy changed everything. Love not only learned to manage his anxiety but also began advocating for mental health awareness, particularly for athletes. He also preached about how beneficial it was to him to seek a therapist, stating he still visits his frequently when he returns to Cleveland.
A Voice for Athletes’ Mental Health
Since opening up about his struggles, Love has been at the forefront of the mental health conversation in sports. Through his Kevin Love Fund, he has helped create mental health programs, partnered with organizations to promote awareness, and encouraged athletes to seek help without fear of judgment.
“Mental health isn’t just an athlete thing. What you do for a living doesn’t have to define who you are. This is an everyone thing.”
“If you’re suffering silently like I was, then you know how it can feel like nobody really gets it. Partly, I want to do it for me, but mostly, I want to do it because people don’t talk about mental health enough. And men and boys are probably the farthest behind.”
Love’s transparency has inspired countless athletes—both professional and aspiring—to speak up about their mental struggles, reinforcing the idea that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Learn More About Mental Health in Sports
Athletes' struggles extend far beyond the public eye. If you want to explore the mental side of sports in-depth, check out my book, “So You Want To Play College Sports”, available in the Shop tab! The boom features direct quotes from numerous CURRENT college athletes experiencing many of the similar feelings these professionals are feeling.
