Monday, September 30, 2024 –Formula One racing star, Lewis Hamilton has revealed that he has struggled with his mental health "for much of his life", and blames the pressure of motor racing and bullying that he suffered at school.
The seven-time Formula One world champion
said in an interview with the Sunday Times that
he has had depression since he was a teenager.
Hamilton, 39, said he had some “really
difficult phases” during his 20s, and said his struggles with his mental health
stemmed from being bullied at school and the pressure of racing.
The Briton, who has mixed raced
parents, has previously said he experienced racism as a child growing
up in Stevenage.
He told the Sunday
Times: “When I was in my twenties I had some really
difficult phases. I mean, I’ve struggled with mental health throughout my life
“[I’ve had] depression. From a very early
age, when I was, like, 13. I think it was the pressure of racing and struggling
at school. The bullying. I had no one to talk to.”
Asked during the interview if he has ever
seen a therapist, Hamilton said: “I spoke to one woman, years ago, but that
wasn’t really helpful. I would like to find someone today.”
Hamilton, who will be moving to Ferrari at
the end of the season following a highly successful 12 years at Mercedes, said
he is currently in a “good place, physically and mentally”.
His contract with Ferrari means he is set
to race into his 40s but Hamilton, who is single, said he would like to have a
family.
“One day. I wouldn’t be able to do what I
do to the level that I do it today with that. One of my best friends has just
had a kid and I’m seeing how manic it is.
“And my nieces and nephew are a handful. There will be a time
and a place for it, and I can’t wait for that part. But right now I have some
work to do.”
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