I was recently in Houston giving a keynote presentation for the Texas Council Community Mental Health Conference. It was too humid to play tennis, but it was very cool to spend time with one of the other presenters, Cliff Richey, a legend of American tennis,
Cliff"s 26-year career was highlighted by a 1970 season where he led the United States to the Davis Cup title, finished as the first-ever Grand Prix world points champion and won one of the most exciting matches in American tennis history that clinched the year-end first place American ranking. Recently, and along with his daughter Hilaire Richey Kallendorf, Cliff wrote Acing Depression: A Tennis Champion's Toughest Match, which was just published by New Chapter Press. Cliff uses the book -- and his mental health advocacy talks -- to help educate people about depression and provide hope to improve their lives (and backhands).
Dr. Weisinger: What made you want to become a tennis player?
Cliff Richey: One word: rejection. My dad also coached a top player named Tut Bartzen back in the 50's. Tut asked my father to come to an event and help get his game back on track. Dad wanted my sister, Nancy (who was 16 years old at the time) to go along as a sparring partner for Tut. I was 12 and I wanted to go too. I thought I was pretty good, but they said "no, this is not a fun trip it's business. You would just get in the way." That day I made up my mind to be a player. I was completely committed to showing them that they were wrong and then it took on a life of its own, because feeling myself improve and getting noticed was pure fun and addiction.
Dr.W: In your years of professional tennis, playing and succeeding at the highest level, what did you learn about yourself?
CR: For me, my goal was not to win this or that tournament. I had a goal of honing my skills. I knew if I had prepared long and hard enough, winning would be in the equation. I think being from a total tennis family you learn by osmosis. I knew my dad was a tough competitor. My sister, Nancy, was as tough mentally as you get. So I suppose I copied them. However, I learned that my biggest weapon in tennis was my determination to win. Nobody wanted to play me because it was probably going to take awhile. I also learned that in my later tour years I wanted to do well to the point that I had become fearful that I would fail. In my last years of playing I was able to turn that around by simply being grateful for the opportunity I was being given. It worked.
Dr.W: We think of our sports heroes as being invulnerable. How did you explain your depression to your family and friends?
CR: As I said ... at 12, I was going to show them I could play and that I was good. I wanted to be successful and be somebody. I truly wanted to be a tennis star. I played with an obsession and I obtained most of what I wanted. I really felt it gave me the green light to divulge and talk about my disease, clinical depression. It's never been hard for me to divulge and talk about my emotions. Pro athletes are constantly trying to monitor themselves by owning up to their strengths and weaknesses. You have to. I could never plan my strategy around a big serve like Arthur Ashe. I didn't have one. So coming out and talking to my family and friends I see as a plus. Get it out on the table, then deal with it.
Dr. W: What motivated you to tell your story?
CR: Personal suffering is a motivator to help others. At least, it was with me. I know two things in life really well: tennis and depression. I've used my competitive skill to fight depression. I've tried to devise a plan to come against a disease that tires to take away the vital ingredient in us humans: hope. I feel I've had good recovery. It takes hard work, but it's very doable. When I was at my sickest I tried to read anything that would give me intellectual hope, not emotional hope. I felt that was asking too much -- as sick as I felt emotionally. But your intellect can still know that there is hope. I wanted to tell my story because I know there is hope. Hope and recovery.
Dr. W: Very importantly, what is the prescription for the millions of people who get depressed because they consistently double fault, hit week backhands and get anxious on match point?
CR: The easiest thing to do is take two weeks off. And then quit! But seriously, hone your skills properly. Tennis is not swatting flies. There is a sound way and an unsound way. Learn it properly and then you have a chance. Getting nervous on match point is going to happen more often if you are the one who has match point, but you would rather be there than match point down. That's where you want to be. Embrace it. Hey if you aren't nervous holding match point you aren't human. Remember: every top player gets nervous. If all else fails pick up a copy of Acing Depression: A Tennis Champion's Toughest Match .
In my next court appearance, I showed little improvement so I took Cliff's advice -- I went to my local bookstore and picked up a copy of his book. I'm happy to say that my backhand is getting a little better and for sure, if ever the case, I know I can ace depression!