Simone Biles, the renowned Olympic gymnast, has candidly opened up about her struggles with anxiety and the measures she takes to manage her mental health, particularly while travelling. In a recent Instagram video posted on Sunday, July 26, the 29-year-old athlete revealed that she always carries emergency anxiety medication in her bag, a detail that highlights her ongoing battle with anxiety, especially during high-pressure situations like the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.
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In the video, Biles provides a glimpse into her well-packed designer bag, which she described as “stuffed to the brim” following her recent trip to Singapore. With her husband Jonathan Owens, a safety for the Indianapolis Colts, by her side, she began listing the various items within her brown Birkin bag. Among essentials such as her passport, an extra phone, and charger, Biles mentioned her anxiety medication, noting, “There’s a story behind that… just in case I get nervous on flights or before flights.”
The gymnast then continued to inventory other contents in her bag, which included earplugs, a choice Chanel perfume, a foldable phone stand, a digital camera, and several personal items. She concluded her video with a note from a young admirer, further showcasing her thoughtful engagement with her followers.
Biles has been transparent about her mental health journey, particularly during significant events such as her competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics. In August of that year, she shared her experiences in the Olympic Village, noting the overwhelming anxiety she felt amidst the constant attention from fans and fellow athletes. Reflecting on her struggles, she disclosed that she found it challenging to enjoy meals due to being tremulous with anxiety, prompting her to remain more reserved during the games.
The champion gymnast has also spoken about the importance of therapy in her life, revealing that regular sessions help her manage anxiety effectively. Her efforts to prioritise her mental well-being resonate deeply with many of her fans, particularly as she advocates for the significance of mental health awareness.
Recently, Biles shared an intimate moment on social media involving her husband as they attended a medical appointment together on his birthday. In a heartfelt Instagram Story, she expressed gratitude for his support, indicating that he had accompanied her for a “procedure,” but did not disclose further details about the nature of her medical care. This lack of specifics follows her previous revelation about facing one of her most daunting health scares earlier that year, when she had to seek hospital care.
In June, Biles shared an image of her wrist adorned with hospital patient bands, disclosing that she had been indisposed and recuperating after experiencing a serious health crisis. She acknowledged her discomfort with public disclosures about her personal life but felt compelled to share her harrowing experience, stating that “almost dying wasn’t on my bingo card earlier this week.”
As one of the most decorated gymnasts in history, her openness about personal struggles adds a necessary layer to the often glamorised image of sports. Biles’ willingness to discuss her mental health challenges contributes to a larger dialogue about the importance of prioritising mental well-being among athletes and the general public alike.
Looking ahead, Biles has made it clear that mental health will remain a priority for her as she gears up for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her journey serves as a reminder that success in sports and life is not solely measured by accolades but also by the strength it takes to confront personal challenges openly.
Biles continues to inspire many with her resilience and authenticity, paving the way for more athletes to embrace vulnerability and seek support in their battles with mental health. Her candidness not only fosters understanding but also encourages fans to prioritise their own mental health, giving strength to those who may be navigating similar experiences.