As a child growing up in Compton, California, in the 1990s and 2000s, DeMar DeRozan faced immense challenges. Surrounded by gangs, violence, and the looming threat of death, he quickly learned to suppress his emotions and pour his energy into basketball. Little did he know, the journey he started on the court would eventually lead him to a path of advocating for something far more important—mental health for athletes.

DeRozan’s rise in the NBA, where he became known for breaking records and winning championships, didn't shield him from the emotional and psychological struggles he would face. In 2018, DeRozan took to social media to share a deeply personal struggle with the world, and in doing so, he sparked a conversation about mental health that would change the way the sports world approached the issue.

Opening Up About Mental Health

DeRozan's mental health journey began with a tweet that shocked many of his fans and teammates alike. Despite being at the top of his game—starting in the NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles during the 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend—DeRozan tweeted, “This depression get the best of me.” His tweet resonated with people because, at the time, DeRozan was enjoying career success, with his team, the Toronto Raptors, leading the Eastern Conference. But off the court, he was struggling deeply with depression.

“In February 2018, I shared the tweet, ‘This depression get the best of me.’ I was at the top of my career. Everything on the basketball court was perfect, but off the court, I was miserable,” DeRozan said. “Innocently, yet selfishly, posting that tweet opened a whole new world to me, and my mental health journey began.”

DeRozan’s openness about his struggles helped to normalize conversations about mental health in sports, and he quickly became one of the first NBA stars to publicly talk about his own challenges with mental health.

Leading the Conversation on Mental Health in Sports

DeRozan’s willingness to speak openly about his mental health struggles helped to open the door for other athletes to do the same. As he explained, many athletes—especially those at the top of their careers—suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. However, these issues are often exacerbated within the Black community, where emotions are traditionally suppressed, and there is a stigma attached to showing vulnerability.

“I was taught to keep my head down and never show emotion. That has carried with me for years; in some ways, it still does,” DeRozan shared. “But carrying that load of emotion for too long can break you. For reasons like these, there exists a stigma associated with depression and anxiety within the Black community. It’s more difficult for us to share, especially for Black men.”

His message was clear: suppressing emotions does more harm than good. For DeRozan, the key to healing was to “release” the pent-up emotions of anger, guilt, and sadness. He encouraged others who are struggling to find a support system—whether through therapy, support groups, or trusted confidants—and to be honest about their struggles with those around them.

Pushing for Change Within the NBA

DeRozan's vocal advocacy for mental health has had a lasting impact within the NBA. In 2019, the league implemented a new rule requiring all teams to have a full-time licensed mental health professional on staff. Teams were also required to develop a written plan for supporting players in mental health crises. The NBA expanded these programs in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, recognizing that the mental well-being of players is just as important as their physical health.

Reflecting on the changes, DeRozan said, “There is still more work to be done, but when I first came to the league, there was no mention of mind health, anxiety, depression. Fast forward to now, the NBA has therapists readily available at each team, and it’s a more acceptable environment to ask for help.”

For DeRozan, this transformation is a testament to how far the NBA has come. What was once a taboo topic is now something that is openly discussed and addressed. However, he stresses that the conversations about mental health must continue so that athletes feel comfortable reaching out for help when needed.

Inspiration Through Storytelling and Advocacy

DeRozan’s mental health advocacy extends beyond the court. He has written a memoir, Above the Noise: My Story of Chasing Calm, in which he shares his journey with mental health, chronicling both his successes in basketball and his battles with depression. Through this storytelling, DeRozan has become a source of hope and inspiration for many, encouraging others to confront their own mental health struggles.

DeRozan recalls one moment during his book tour that profoundly impacted him: “A young man I met told me that I saved his life by sharing my struggles and encouraging him and others to seek help. It was an intense moment but a moment I will never forget.”

In addition to his memoir, DeRozan has created a YouTube series, Dinners with DeMar, where he sits down with athletes and professionals to discuss mental health in a candid, unscripted way. “In my Dinners with DeMar digital series, we have open, raw conversations. Nothing is scripted or rehearsed, just real talk,” DeRozan said.

These conversations have sparked a broader dialogue about the mental health of athletes, particularly within the Black community, where mental health struggles are often overlooked.

Advocating for Young Athletes

DeRozan’s advocacy is not limited to professional athletes. He has made it a priority to speak to high school and college athletes, encouraging them to prioritize their mental well-being. “I talk with college and high school athletes all the time. I share my experiences, and I tell them to open up—don’t hold things inside, reach out to a therapist, and find an outlet outside of your sport that brings them happiness and contentment,” DeRozan advises.

For DeRozan, the key message is clear: mental health must come first. “If the mind isn’t right, the body can’t perform,” he emphasized.

DeRozan’s influence extends beyond the professional basketball world, as he uses his platform to reach younger athletes, hoping to help them develop healthier coping mechanisms early on.

DeMar DeRozan’s Approach to Family and Mental Health

As much as DeRozan has become a public advocate for mental health, his advocacy begins at home. As a father of five, he leads by example, encouraging his children to be open about their feelings. He explained that his children are his emotional support: “Whenever they are ready to share, they know daddy is all ears. In return, my kids are my release. When I’m struggling, they are my reprieve. My kids check me by forcing me to be present and accountable, and I love it.”

DeRozan’s openness and approach to mental health have made him not only an advocate but also a role model for future generations. His story shows that it's possible to balance the pressures of being a public figure with the need to care for your mental well-being.

A Quick Review

DeMar DeRozan’s journey with mental health has been a powerful catalyst for change in the sports world. By speaking openly about his struggles with depression, DeRozan has helped normalize conversations about mental health, particularly within the NBA. Through his personal advocacy, his memoir, and his series Dinners with DeMar, DeRozan continues to inspire others to prioritize their mental health and seek support when needed. His story serves as a reminder that, no matter how successful you may be on the outside, it’s essential to take care of your mental well-being.