MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Seahawks’ Kevin Pierre-Louis sends a message of gratitude

Oct 7, 2016, 2:21 PM

Seahawks, Pierre-Louis...

Seattle Seahawks' Kevin Pierre-Louis looks up as he stands with teammates during the playing of the national anthem before the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Sept. 11, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Kevin Pierre-Louis has received nothing but support since his struggle with depression was made public.

Pierre-Louis, who found out he was depressed around his junior season at Boston College, told The Seattle Times that his depression is chemical. He sometimes just can’t help how he feels.

Though the Times reported that he was nervous about reaction to the story, he wasn’t talking about his struggle for fans and teammates. “It’s for the person who needs it,” he told the Times.

And The Seahawks linebacker had no reason to be nervous after all. He’s already getting words of encouragement.

While speaking to KIRO Radio’s Rachelle Belle about depression in the startup community, Dr. Garrett Gilchrist said it can be difficult for people in this era to speak out.

“I think that one of the awful truths of our era and our country is that the definition of masculine almost prohibits you from speaking openly about this stuff,” he said. “American masculinity is strong and silent and you don’t talk about your emotions and how you feel, definitely, don’t talk about anxiety and depression. You don’t talk about therapy, you don’t see a therapist. That’s what a man is. I have so many strong, ugly words for that. It is just heartbreaking to think that that is a requirement of your gender.”

Dr. Gilchrist’s advice for people struggling starts basic: get enough sleep and exercise, eat well, take vitamins, and talk to the people in your life.

“It’s the basics that people cut off. ‘Well, I don’t have time to sleep, I don’t have time to eat right,’” he explained. “And that’s hard for people. So they come to the office and they’re going a hundred miles an hour, they don’t want to slow down. I’ve got to go to my next meeting, I gotta hurry up, blah blah blah, just fix me real quick. They’re looking for a quick fix. I feel like I have to re-educate people and start with the basics.”

Please follow our Community Guidelines

MyNorthwest News

A basket of fried chicken, accompanied by small bowls of sauces. (Photo: Daniel_Dash via Envato)...

Charlie Harger

Popular California chain Starbird Chicken opens first WA restaurant in West Seattle

West Seattle has a new chicken spot. Starbird Chicken opened its first Washington restaurant Monday on Fauntleroy Way SW near the Alaska Junction.

1 hour ago

kent drive-by shooting...

Jason Sutich

2 dead after drive-by shooting near I-5 overpass in Kent; road closed in both directions

A drive-by shooting near the S 272nd Street overpass above I-5 in Kent killed 2 people Monday, shutting down the road in both directions as police investigate.

2 hours ago

seattle bite chunk court...

Tim Hohl

Woman accused of biting chunk from stranger’s forehead in downtown Seattle appears in court

A 36-year-old woman accused of biting a piece of flesh from another woman’s forehead during an attack in downtown Seattle made a brief court appearance Monday.

2 hours ago

recall raw milk cheese e.coli...

Lexi Herda, KIRO 7 News

Recall alert: Sierra Nevada raw milk cheese linked to E. coli outbreak

Check your fridge and freezer. Four types of Sierra Nevada Graziers grass-fed raw milk cheeses are being recalled.

2 hours ago

kent young woman homicide investigation...

Manda Factor

Kent detective Ty Sagiao praised for role in homicide case that led to 73-year sentence

A Kent police detective whose work helped prosecutors secure a 73-year sentence in a homicide case has won a law enforcement award.

3 hours ago

pcc market madison valley open...

MyNorthwest Staff

PCC Community Markets sets opening date for Madison Valley store after years of delays

A grand opening date for PCC Community Markets in Madison Valley has finally been announced after nearly a decade of delays in the development of the property.

3 hours ago

Seahawks’ Kevin Pierre-Louis sends a message of gratitude