Ron Artest Talks Depression (VIDEO)

NBA Laker Metta World Peace (formerly Ron Artest) has depression. In a video released today by mtvU, he talks about his struggles with mental illness on and off the court and offers advice on getting help.

Depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States. In any given year, it affects nearly 7% of the population; over a lifetime, 16.5% of adults will battle with depression. Depression does not discriminate based on ethnicity, education, income, or marital status, according to the DSM-IV-TR.

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Comments

[mother10]

10:35 PM on 12/25/2011

you rock ...

[Meda4]

01:43 PM on 12/15/2011

very humble individual and role model, he is good in my book. a little weird, but definitely a positive character. we need more people like this in the world.

[Mitzy]

01:32 AM on 12/15/2011

Metta, thanks. For all of us who have battled depression and survived, you are a role model for others who are in the death grips of this terrible illness by showing that life can and will get better.

[ruffdeezy]

12:34 AM on 12/15/2011

What a weird name
I wonder what will be on the back of his jersey and how they will announce him
I'd boot him off the team if I was boss

[Joeltron]

03:02 AM on 12/15/2011

I don't think teams have 'bosses'. Its usually an owner and a general manager, and they really could care less what the players names are as long as they are putting up good numbers.

[Bados]

04:06 AM on 12/15/2011

What a weird comment. You probably changed you opinion of him for the better but dont know how to express or admit it so you decided to say the weirdest thing you could think of.

[KingGlorious]

05:38 PM on 12/14/2011

I wonder when Jerry Sandusky ( Penn State ) will plead " depression. " in his defense....

[Bados]

04:05 AM on 12/15/2011

Why is Sandusky on your mind? Is there something you want to share with the class?
I think I see where the tough talk comes from.
Are you overcompensating for something?
It's quite alright Sport. You'll find most people wont judge you.

[KingGlorious]

10:52 AM on 12/15/2011

Hey Bados-

Your comments and questions here are delusional....

I suggest you get sober before posting or maybe you should visit a psychologist and take some test, get some help....

[Angelus2007]

04:29 PM on 12/14/2011

He has gone from a "thug" and bad guy, to a role model. He turned his life around, admitted what was wrong, and got help. He is not been in trouble in years, and working to help those who need it. He even auctioned off his championship ring (which may be a once in a lifetime achievement) to help those with mental illness.

I may not like this new name, but I enjoy him, and wish him luck going forward.

[Cara Santa Maria]

09:16 PM on 12/14/2011

I second that.

[jf12]

09:53 AM on 12/15/2011

He is certainly better than he was, but a role model? After treatment, with multiple girlfriends while still married?

[jericarla]

03:46 PM on 12/14/2011

in our society it takes real courage to stand up and admit you are less than perfect. if you cant deal with someopne admiting this how will you deal with reality?

[KingGlorious]

12:10 PM on 12/14/2011

I don't buy it ! Sorry.

[dondon7777]

12:18 PM on 12/14/2011

My prayer is that you never have to suffer from it, and if ever you do, I pray someone will "buy it" and help you find relief.

[KingGlorious]

12:37 PM on 12/14/2011

And I " pray " that some people who think like you and Artest, understand what it means to be an adult and take personal responsibility for their behavior....

[Bados]

03:54 AM on 12/15/2011

Of course you dont. That would require a level of compassion and understanding that you think is undeserving of such a person. What does he gain from talking about depression? Why would you think he's lying? Why cant he be one of the millions of people who suffer from it? Why cant you wrap your head around the fact that although pro athletes are extremely talented, the have the same personal issues as anyone else.

[RecoveryRoad]

11:22 AM on 12/14/2011

it does suck, it really , really bites. glad he is able to talk about it openly

[Tater Salad]

11:07 AM on 12/14/2011

Metta is one of few that has acknowledged his struggle with depression. It's a serious problem among many Americans, myself included. Hopefully many will be able to come open about their ordeal with it and not be viewed in a bad light.

[afloyd]

10:29 AM on 12/14/2011

That was very good and should help a lot of people. Well done.

[48thGuy]

07:38 AM on 12/14/2011

This guy really should be institutionalized before he does something even more crazy than the Indy incident.

[NatTurner1]

11:27 AM on 12/14/2011

Yeah, like send a picture of his privates to an employee or rape a woman in the bathroom while security looks on and keep her friends out. Crazy like Favre and Reothlisberger right?

[beasteben]

11:43 AM on 12/14/2011

He didn't do that from out of no where. A drunk fan threw a drink right on Meta's head. That would make anyone enraged. He is trying to do the right thing by accepting his work with his depression and I think supporting him and his message is more advantagous than dragging it through the mud.

[George Bertha]

06:57 AM on 12/14/2011

So that explains his bizarre behavior back in the day!

[dondon7777]

12:21 PM on 12/14/2011

Yep. And that explains why he should be commended for coming forward with it. I'm glad because without seeking the help he needs, he could end up in a rage and blow people away like the shooters in LA and Virginia Tech.

[jericarla]

03:43 PM on 12/14/2011

what you dont like playing dodge bullet? its a popular game in east la

[frank day]

06:50 AM on 12/14/2011

Depression is stigmatized in the general population, but even more so with men and

that goes double for black men.

I applaud Meta for seeking help and for being public about his struggles.

[Lola Harrison]

09:06 AM on 12/14/2011

I do too !!!

[jf12]

11:25 PM on 12/13/2011

Former (?) drug abuser, tested positive, violent thug, ordered to undergo anger management, failed, ordered to seek treatment, in all interviews stated he was taking prescriptions to be more "calm". Now he's Metta World Peace, saying weird things, Dancing With The Stars, but calm. I guess.

[frank day]

06:48 AM on 12/14/2011

You are small, and you should have contained yourself.

You don't know what you're talking about.

This, from a former(?) fan.

[jf12]

07:44 AM on 12/14/2011

Is there more to it? He was out of the news for a year or so following medicating, now what?

[NatTurner1]

11:28 AM on 12/14/2011

Sounds like a hockey player huh?

[Sad But True]

01:25 PM on 12/14/2011

Not really, no.