Mental Health in Athletes: The Hidden Struggle Behind the Spotlight

Former pro athlete Ray Weathers sits down with Dr. SharnellMyles for a powerful, eye-opening conversation about the real pressures youngathletes face—behind the fame, the expectations, the money, and the silencearound mental health. Ray opens up about his own journey through trauma, howlack of support impacted his career and life, and why access to mental healthcare could have changed everything.Together, they explore how community trauma, domesticviolence, and systemic neglect shape the lives of young athletes—and why it'stime for real change. From untrained coaches to the damaging stigma aroundasking for help, this conversation exposes the cracks in the system.They dive into the mental toll of paid high school sports,the misunderstood role of medication, and the urgent need for regular check-insand family involvement. As Embark expands its services to support athletes andtheir families, this episode ends with a call to action: athletes need morethan talent—they need a safe space to be human.