Kansas City Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire Details Struggles with PTSD Largely Stemming from 2018 Shooting
Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire made headlines this week not just for his performance on the field, but for his candid admission regarding his ongoing battle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In a heartfelt conversation with the media, Edwards-Helaire shed light on how a traumatic incident from his past continues to affect his mental health, revealing the deep roots of his struggles and the importance of support systems in navigating such a challenging experience.
A Life-Altering Incident
The harrowing chapter of Edwards-Helaire’s life began on December 22, 2018, during his time at Louisiana State University (LSU). He and his close friend and teammate, Jared Small, were in a potentially dangerous situation while attempting to sell electronics to a man, who ultimately turned out to be armed. The encounter escalated rapidly when the man brandished a gun and attempted to rob them. In what can only be described as a life-defining moment, either Edwards-Helaire or Small shot the assailant, 18-year-old Kobe Johnson, in self-defense. While neither player faced legal charges following the incident, the psychological aftermath stayed with Edwards-Helaire, haunting him long after that fateful day.
Revealing the Struggle
In a recent social media post, Edwards-Helaire opened up about the multiple “flare-ups” of PTSD he has experienced, particularly noting an uptick in symptoms over the past month. At a press conference, he shared that a significant portion of his PTSD is directly related to the shooting incident, which he labeled a traumatic experience that left a long-lasting imprint on his psyche. "It just takes the courage to talk about it," he stated. "It’s not something that I always want to talk about because I never really know how my body will react or my mind."
Edwards-Helaire spoke candidly about the emotional toll that dealing with PTSD has taken on him. It's not merely about the traumatic event itself but about the ongoing impact on his daily life and mental well-being. His comments highlight an important reality: mental health struggles are often invisible, complicating how individuals seek help and engage with their environments.
The Importance of Open Dialogue
A pivotal part of Edwards-Helaire’s path to coping with PTSD has been the ability to communicate openly about his experiences. He credited conversations with his father, a former Marine and police officer, as instrumental in shaping his understanding of trauma and recovery. He emphasized how supportive discussions can provide a safe space to process emotions, stating, "Just having that safe space... and actually being open with my dad."
In his remarks, he acknowledged that vulnerabilities affect everyone, regardless of age, occupation, or level of public visibility. “Getting over that hump personally. Knowing everybody goes through things, good, bad; everyone is human," he noted, reflecting a universal truth about the human experience. Edwards-Helaire also affirmed his personal journey, recognizing that healing is not linear and that asking for help is a vital step toward recovery.
Addressing Health Concerns and Seeking Help
Edwards-Helaire's battle with PTSD is not an isolated incident. His health challenges include episodes that have previously led to hospital admissions due to severe nausea, and he has missed several practices, which the Chiefs attributed to unspecified illness. This raises critical conversations about the intersection of mental health and athletic performance, highlighting that even professional athletes face real psychological battles, often under considerable public scrutiny.
In discussing these issues, Edwards-Helaire underscored the necessity of prioritizing mental health, not just for himself but for anyone grappling with similar experiences. “Everyone needs help at some point. And it’s just being able to kind of step up and say this is the help I need,” he explained, advocating for seeking support rather than suffering in silence.
Conclusion
Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s willingness to confront and articulate his mental health struggles represents a significant milestone, not just for him, but within the sports community at large. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of mental health dialogue and the necessity of support systems in overcoming trauma. By sharing his journey, Edwards-Helaire is not only paving the way for his own healing but also encouraging others to address their challenges, illustrating that there is strength in vulnerability and hope in the pursuit of mental well-being.