In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, JB Copeland, a former athlete now focused on content creation, has opened up about his tumultuous journey through addiction and mental health challenges. The 31-year-old Dallas native, known for his commitment to football, faced life-altering consequences following a series of concussions that ended his sports career prematurely.
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Copeland’s football journey began at an early age and reached a significant milestone when he earned a scholarship to the University of North Carolina. However, his aspirations came to an abrupt halt in 2016, during his junior year, when back-to-back concussions forced him to retire. Struggling to cope with the loss of his passion, he found himself questioning his identity and purpose. “I just felt like a shell of a human,” Copeland admitted. With football being the cornerstone of his life, the void left by its absence created feelings of worthlessness and sadness, which escalated into a downward spiral.
Following his retirement, Copeland turned to alcohol and drugs as a coping mechanism. His history of substance use, which started in high school, intensified during this challenging phase. Prescribed Xanax for anxiety related to his concussions, he found himself increasing his dosage amidst mounting pressures and emotional distress. “I needed this to feel okay,” Copeland reflected on his addiction, which grew deeper as he sought solace from pain through various substances, including medications intended for teammates recovering from surgery.
While Copeland had a supportive network, including family and friends, he excelled at concealing his struggles. His parents and coaches inquired about his well-being, but he often deflected their concern, unaware of how to seek the help he needed. “I was used to just saying a prayer and hoping that this thing would be taken from me,” he explained, highlighting the misconception many men face regarding vulnerability and emotional expression. His life continued to deteriorate, culminating in academic failure during his senior year of college.
In April 2022, Copeland reached a breaking point. His addiction had resulted in significant weight loss and terrifying panic attacks, leading him to the emergency room. Faced with the truth of his situation, he confided in his wife, Chloe, with whom he had married in 2019, and made the pivotal decision to enter a rehabilitation facility outside Dallas. “I was very scared to make the decision,” he recounted, but he recognised that change was imperative.
The 60-day rehab programme proved transformative for Copeland, albeit challenging. He described the initial weeks as the most difficult of his life, confronted with emotions he had suppressed for years. “It was overwhelming, and I didn’t know how to make sense of it all,” he shared. During this period, he learned that acknowledging feelings was not a sign of weakness but rather a path to healing, contrary to societal norms about masculinity and emotional suppression.
An important turning point occurred during a group therapy session when Copeland found himself laughing for the first time in years. This moment of joy initiated a profound shift in his outlook, awakening a sense of hope and a connection to his inner self. Reflecting on this pivotal experience, he noted, “It felt like some type of miracle or spiritual awakening. A laugh changed my direction and changed my life.”
Since completing rehab, Copeland has embraced a new life committed to mental health advocacy. He uses his social media platforms to destigmatise conversations about mental health, particularly for men who often feel pressured to suppress their emotions. “I didn’t want my pain to just be for me,” he asserted, wishing instead to offer hope to others experiencing similar struggles.
Although the journey has not been without setbacks, Copeland honours his progress and the ongoing challenges he faces. He candidly admitted to experiencing a relapse 18 months post-rehab but addressed it openly with his wife, reinforcing their bond and commitment to recovery. “I’ve learned to say, ‘Okay, we’re not going back to where we were,'” he affirmed, underscoring the importance of perseverance in his journey toward sobriety.
Copeland’s story illustrates the importance of support and connection in the face of mental health challenges. For those grappling with similar issues, he encourages seeking help and breaking the silence surrounding mental health. By sharing his experiences, Copeland aims to remind others that they are not alone and that there is always hope on the road to recovery.
For further support, individuals struggling with substance abuse or mental health challenges can reach out to resources such as the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP or call/text 988 where trained professionals are available to provide assistance 24/7.