After playing 30 games of the shortened 60-game 2020 MLB season — he missed some time with an ankle injury, but played quite while (.297/.346/.356) when on the field — then-Los Angeles Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons decided to opt out of the final week of the season.
On Tuesday, the nine-year veteran and defensive wizard revealed that battles with suicidal thoughts and depression were ultimately responsible for that decision. Simmons sent the Ocean County Register a series of direct messages on Twitter, explaining how his mental health came into play through writing, as it was still difficult for him to articulate his feelings verbally.
"It was tough for me mentally to where the thought of suicide crossed my mind," Simmons said (via Jeff Fletcher). "It was something I vowed a long time ago I would never consider again. I was fortunate to talk to a therapist, which helped me let go of those thoughts. At the end when a lot of people were still going through what most would think of as tough times, the idea of finishing the season in a bubble was too much for me to handle.
“There’s a lot of people out there that are going through stressful times. For different types of reasons. Which brings a lot of fear or anxiety. And I know there’s the fear of seeking help/assistance because of the perception of people thinking there’s something wrong with you, but I think in reality there are way more people than you might think that are going through stressful stuff, which can come in different ways: fear, loss, trauma, problems with loved ones. You’re not alone. You don’t have to keep everything bottled up. Find someone that can help you express your emotions freely and that can assist you with it.”
Factors such as the increasing death toll, small businesses and less fortunate people struggling, and how disconnected society was becoming due to the pandemic fueled Simmons' depression. He added that "there's a lot more that happened" in his personal life, but that he didn't want his whole life to be put on display.
Simmons recently struck a one-year deal with the Minnesota Twins for $10.5 million and was asked in his introductory press conference about his decision to opt out last year, which ultimately led to him sharing his full story with the Register.
Related
The former Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels shortstop joins players like Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst, Cavaliers veteran Kevin Love and and Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who have opened up about their struggles with depression and other mental health issues. Simmons decided to come forward with his when he realized he could help others undergoing similar rough patches.
“When an athlete says ‘I’m struggling with depression and it affects my life,’ the right thing to do, the courageous thing, is to share," Simmons said. "Let people know if you are struggling and need a hand.”
LISTEN NOW on the RADIO.COM App
Follow RADIO.COM Sports
Twitter | Facebook I Instagram