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Tim Howard shares his struggle with mental health

By Derek Helling

COUVA, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - OCTOBER 09: Tim Howard of the United States mens national soccer team during their training session at the Ato Boldon Stadium on October 9, 2017 in Couva, Trinidad And Tobago. (Photo by Ashley Allen/Getty Images)
COUVA, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - OCTOBER 09: Tim Howard of the United States mens national soccer team during their training session at the Ato Boldon Stadium on October 9, 2017 in Couva, Trinidad And Tobago. (Photo by Ashley Allen/Getty Images) /
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Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Tim Howard reads to his younger self regarding his struggles with Tourettes syndrome.

Colorado Rapids and U.S. men’s national team goalkeeper Tim Howard is among those professional athletes who have struggled with mental health issues in his life. This Mental Health Awareness Month, Howard has taken advantage of the opportunity to fight stigmas attached to mental illness by participating in a campaign for the Child Mind Institute.

Howard recorded a video talking to his younger self about his struggles with Tourettes Syndrome. For those unfamiliar with the syndrome, it manifests as sudden, rapid motor movements or verbal emissions which are generally experienced as involuntary.

Among the advice Howard would give to his younger self: “Stay the course, surround yourself with great people — people who believe in you, love you for who you are and allow you to express yourself in whatever way you feel fit. I would also encourage my younger self to not be bogged down with stereotypes. When I was a kid, I wondered if I was going to be able to date or drive a car, and all these things seem silly now, but at the time they were real. Take a moment, pause and allow myself to realize that I can do and accomplish anything I wanted to with TS because or in spite of it.”

This isn’t the first time Howard has spoken about the intersection of his mental condition with his on-pitch play. In a 2013 Neurology Now article, Howard spoke discussed his feelings about being a professional athlete raising awareness that people with Tourettes can succeed.

“I’m on television, ticking and twitching. I think that’s kind of cool,” Howard stated.

In that statement, Howard points out the great benefit of projects like these. Professional athletes demonstrating that mental conditions like Tourettes can be managed is a great message. It’s an even better optic to demonstrate the symptoms can be displayed while those who deal with them achieve their goals and succeed at the highest levels of sport.

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For millions of soccer fans worldwide who may deal with mental health issues like Tourettes, Howard’s leadership and visibility not only makes him more human, but helps those fans feel more accepted in the vast swath of humanity as well.

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