Physicality Archives - World of Psychology

Tiki Barber, Football, Retirement and Depression As a reminder that depression strikes anyone, at any time, for any reason or no reason whatsoever, I give you Tiki Barber.

For those of you unfamiliar with Mr. Barber, he was a professional (American) football player who decided to retire four years ago at age 32. A good time to retire as a football player, as your body starts to show its age against the physicality of the game. He took jobs as a sports commentator at NBC, both in their sports division and for “The Today Show.”

But Mr. Barber’s depression appears to be directly related to a number of events that occurred in his life after his retirement. And now he says he wants to get back into the game, at age 36.

Gratitude, Grace and Granola “He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” — Epictetus

When I began my academic career and clinical practice, I would wake up every morning with a feeling of dread. The heaviness and ache on my chest and in my mind, the struggle to attack the day, was oppressive and demoralizing. This crush of morning depression weakened me so much, I was worn out even before the tsunami of “to do” engulfed me.

Then one of my 12-step patients came back from a retreat marveling at how she was able to break this lifelong struggle she had in the morning, this heaviness and burdensome dread she’d wrestled with throughout her adult life. She was visibly more energized and jubilant. She had my attention.

“Tell me more,” I asked, as interested in her relief as I was in my own.

“Gratitude,” was all she said.