Naomi Osaka, depression and anxiety

May 31st was the last day of Mental Health Awareness Month. Yes, it went unnoticed by us as well. And Naomi Osaka's decision to withdraw from the French Open tennis tournament leaves us thinking a few things:

1. Thank you Ms. Osaka for making the courageous decision to focus on personal and mental health. With the pandemic 'over' yet still affecting most of us, we sometimes feel ready to instantly change back to pre-pandemic choices without fully realizing the need for us to recover--not overnight, but instead with a slow, deliberate awareness of the stress of the past year.

2. Sharing one's mental health struggles as a public persona is risky, yet it delivers the message that it's okay to be struggling at any time, due to any reason. We at autismlife.com realize this as we've worked with families overcoming the trauma, shame, and guilt of the past in an effort to move forwards more effectively.

3. Mental health struggles deserve recognition on par with physical challenges and disabilities. We feel that there is a healthy shift in society at acknowledging this reality, and we are hopeful that services and healing continue to grow.

Many families with an autistic child struggle with side effects of managing day-to-day hurdles without seeking the best help available and the most effective services. Thank you Ms. Osaka for shining a light on mental health. We hope your actions spread a sense of caring, kindness, and support for those working through challenges such as anxiety and depression.