Serena Williams Shares Her Struggle With Mental Health In A Poignant Message
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- November 30, 2023
Tennis icon Serena Williams recently opened up about her mental health in a heartfelt message to her followers, reflecting the universal struggle many face with mental wellness.
“I am not ok today,” Serena disclosed on X, formerly known as Twitter, on November 28. “And that’s ok to not be ok. No one is ok every single day. If you are not ok today, I’m with you. There’s always tomorrow. Love you.”
I am not ok today. And that’s ok to not be ok. No one is ok every single day. If you are not ok today I’m with you. There’s always tomorrow 😘 Love you.
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) November 28, 2023
The 42-year-old sports superstar, who earlier this year welcomed her second daughter, Adira River, with husband Alexis Ohanian, accompanied her message with an intimate selfie. The photo captures a tender moment with her baby girl, peacefully asleep and swaddled in a polka dot blanket on her chest, bringing a moment of joy to Serena amidst her challenges.
Serena Williams and her husband, Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian
Renowned not only for her athletic prowess but also for her openness about mental health, Serena has consistently emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental wellness. In a 2022 interview with Wondermind, she shared, “I always have shut down moments. I have serious boundaries and I don’t let anyone cross those boundaries.”
Serena’s journey recently included a significant decision to retire from professional tennis in August 2022. In a deeply personal essay for Vogue, she expressed a desire to evolve away from tennis to focus on “other things that are important” to her, including expanding her family.
Serena Williams
The Williams-Ohanian family introduced their newborn to the world in a heartwarming TikTok video on August 22, showcasing the family’s close bond and Olympia’s embrace of her role as a big sister. Serena, speaking at the 2023 CFDA Fashion Awards, shared insights into Olympia’s adjustment to her new sibling, describing it as a journey of love and adaptation.
In a world where discussions about mental health are increasingly vital, Serena Williams’ candidness offers a resonating message of solidarity and hope for those facing similar struggles, reminding us all of the importance of self-care and emotional well-being.
Ntianu Obiora is a versatile creative professional with over a decade of experience in publishing, marketing, communications, and digital strategy. She is the Online Editor at THEWILL DOWNTOWN
