How did baseball save Drew Robinson's life? The answer is powerful: When this former MLB player survived a suicide attempt, his love for the game became his lifeline. On that darkest day in 2020, as Drew stared at his injured reflection, one thought stopped him from a second attempt - Can I still play baseball? That moment of hope led him to call 911 instead.Here's what you need to understand about Drew's story: it's not just about baseball. It's about how childhood emotional struggles can follow us into adulthood, how high-pressure careers can magnify existing mental health issues, and most importantly - how asking for help can literally save lives. Through his Better Universe Foundation, Drew's now helping others find their own reasons to keep going, just like baseball did for him.We'll show you exactly how Drew fought his way back from the brink, the daily practices that keep him grounded now, and how his foundation is changing the conversation around suicide prevention. Because here's the truth - mental health struggles don't discriminate, but with the right support, recovery is possible for anyone.
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- 1、Drew Robinson's Journey from Darkness to Hope
- 2、Rebuilding a life worth living
- 3、Changing how we talk about mental health
- 4、The Power of Community Support
- 5、Physical Health's Surprising Connection
- 6、The Ripple Effect of Sharing Stories
- 7、FAQs
Drew Robinson's Journey from Darkness to Hope
The moment that changed everything
Let me tell you about Drew Robinson - a guy who lived and breathed baseball since he was six years old. This wasn't just some weekend hobby; his talent took him all the way to the MLB for over a decade. But here's the thing about life - sometimes even our greatest passions can't protect us from our darkest thoughts.
On April 16, 2020, Drew survived what should have been a fatal suicide attempt. What saved him? A surprising thought about baseball. As he stared at his injured reflection, the question "Can I still play?" flashed through his mind. That tiny spark of hope made him pick up the phone and call 911 instead of trying again.
Understanding the pain behind the smile
Now, you might be wondering - how does someone with so much going for them reach this point? Drew explains it like this: "I didn't want to die, I just wanted the unbearable pain inside to stop." That distinction is crucial for understanding suicidal thoughts.
His childhood in a split household left him without tools to process difficult emotions. "I reacted with anger, irritability, and wild mood swings," Drew admits. The pressure of professional baseball didn't cause his mental health struggles - it simply revealed patterns that were always there. This is why early mental health education matters so much.
Rebuilding a life worth living
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The long road to recovery
After four major head surgeries, Drew did something incredible - he returned to baseball. His comeback games near his hometown became powerful healing moments, surrounded by family and medical staff who'd supported him.
But here's what most people don't realize about recovery - it's not a straight line upward. Drew still has depressive episodes, but now he understands: temporary feelings don't define permanent reality. His daily "trifecta" of meditation, journaling, and exercise keeps him grounded.
Professional help makes all the difference
Weekly therapy sessions with a mental health professional became game-changers. "When I'm consistent with self-care, that's when I'm at my best," Drew notes. But let's be real - asking for help is hard! That's exactly why he started the Better Universe Foundation.
Did you know nearly 700,000 people die by suicide each year? That's why Drew's foundation focuses on prevention. They connect people with care coordinators who understand that mental health solutions go beyond just medication and talk therapy.
| Warning Signs | Helpful Responses |
|---|---|
| Talking about wanting to die | Listen without judgment |
| Withdrawing from activities | Gently encourage connection |
| Extreme mood swings | Suggest professional help |
Changing how we talk about mental health
Breaking the stigma
Here's a question we should all consider: Why is it easier to talk about a broken arm than a broken spirit? The truth is, mental health struggles don't mean weakness - they mean you're human. Drew's foundation creates spaces where people can say, "I don't know what to do," without shame.
Dr. Sam Zand, the foundation's medical officer, explains: "When people actually seek care, they often discover simple changes that dramatically improve brain health." Prevention works, but we have to start the conversation before crisis hits.
Photos provided by pixabay
The long road to recovery
The mental health field is evolving rapidly. Beyond traditional methods, there are innovative approaches offering real hope. "Seeing someone begin their healing journey in front of me - that's the most fulfilling thing," Drew shares.
If you take one thing from Drew's story, let it be this: Asking for help isn't weakness - it's the bravest thing you can do. Whether you're struggling or know someone who is, resources like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) are there 24/7.
Remember - your story isn't over yet. Like Drew discovered, sometimes the very thing that makes us want to give up can become our reason to keep going. What might your "baseball moment" be?
The Power of Community Support
Why isolation makes things worse
You know that feeling when you're stuck in a dark room and the walls seem to be closing in? That's exactly how depression works - it tricks you into believing you're completely alone. But here's the truth bomb: isolation feeds mental health struggles like gasoline feeds fire.
Drew's story shows us something powerful - his recovery truly began when he let people in. His teammates, family, and medical professionals formed a human safety net. Think about your own life for a second - who are the people you could reach out to if you were struggling? We all need our personal pit crew, people who'll help us get back on track when life knocks us down.
Creating safe spaces in unexpected places
Baseball dugouts might seem like the last place you'd find deep conversations about mental health, right? Wrong! Drew's openness started a quiet revolution in locker rooms across the league. Suddenly, players were whispering, "Me too," when he shared his story.
This teaches us something important - real change often starts with one brave person being vulnerable. Your workplace, school, or even your friend group could become a mental health safe zone. All it takes is someone willing to say, "Hey, how are you really doing today?"
Physical Health's Surprising Connection
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The long road to recovery
Ever notice how a good workout can lift your mood? There's actual science behind that! When Drew talks about his daily "trifecta," he's not just throwing around wellness buzzwords. Exercise releases endorphins - your brain's natural happy chemicals.
But here's something most people don't realize - the connection goes both ways. Chronic stress and depression can actually weaken your immune system. That's why taking care of your physical health isn't just about looking good - it's armor for your mind.
Sleep - the secret weapon
Let me ask you something - when was the last time you pulled an all-nighter and felt great the next day? Exactly! Poor sleep doesn't just make you groggy - it messes with your emotional regulation big time.
Drew's recovery included strict sleep hygiene practices. We're talking consistent bedtimes, no screens before bed, the whole nine yards. Quality sleep is like a nightly reset button for your brain. If you're struggling with mood swings, tracking your sleep might reveal patterns you never noticed.
| Physical Health Factor | Mental Health Impact |
|---|---|
| Regular Exercise | Reduces anxiety by 30-40% |
| 7-9 Hours Sleep | Improves emotional resilience |
| Balanced Nutrition | Stabilizes mood swings |
The Ripple Effect of Sharing Stories
Why personal narratives matter
Here's a question that might surprise you - how many lives has Drew saved by simply telling his story? We'll never know the exact number, but here's what we do know: when someone shares their mental health journey, it gives others permission to do the same.
Think about the last time you heard someone talk openly about their struggles. Didn't it make you feel less alone? That's the magic of vulnerability - it creates connection where shame once lived. Your story, no matter how messy, could be someone else's lifeline.
Changing the cultural conversation
Mental health used to be this hush-hush topic we only discussed in whispers. But thanks to folks like Drew, we're finally having real conversations. The more we normalize these discussions, the easier it becomes for people to ask for help.
Imagine a world where checking in on your mental health is as routine as getting your teeth cleaned. That's the future we're building - one honest conversation at a time. Your voice matters in this change, whether you're sharing with one person or a thousand.
So here's my challenge to you today - who in your life needs to hear that it's okay to not be okay? Maybe it's a coworker who's seemed off lately, or a family member who's been withdrawing. Or maybe - just maybe - that person is you.
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FAQs
Q: What warning signs did Drew Robinson experience before his suicide attempt?
A: Drew describes experiencing two-and-a-half months of intense suicidal thoughts leading up to his attempt. Like many people, he didn't actually want to die - he just wanted his emotional pain to stop. Key warning signs included obsessive thoughts about ending his life, inability to see solutions to his suffering, and what he calls "irrational, clouded judgment." These are classic red flags we should all recognize. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention notes that while most people with mental health conditions won't die by suicide, persistent thoughts of death or hopelessness always warrant professional help.
Q: How can sports professionals manage mental health challenges?
A: Drew's story shows that high-pressure careers like professional sports can amplify existing mental health patterns. For athletes, it's crucial to develop coping mechanisms beyond performance. Drew now swears by his "trifecta" - daily meditation, journaling, and exercise. Weekly therapy sessions with a mental health professional provide ongoing support. Most importantly, he emphasizes that asking for help isn't weakness - it's the smartest play any athlete can make. The Better Universe Foundation specifically helps sports professionals access mental health resources tailored to their unique pressures.
Q: What makes the Better Universe Foundation's approach unique?
A: This isn't your typical mental health organization. Co-founded by Drew and Dr. Sam Zand, the foundation focuses on prevention before crisis. They provide care coordinators who connect people with innovative treatments beyond just medication and talk therapy. What really sets them apart? They create judgment-free spaces where people can say "I don't know what to do" without shame. The foundation also tackles the dangerous myth that suicidal people can't be helped - science proves suicide is preventable with proper intervention.
Q: How can friends/family support someone showing warning signs?
A: First, listen without judgment - Drew emphasizes how hard it was to admit he needed help. Use open-ended questions and avoid simplistic solutions. Gently encourage professional support, just like you would for a physical injury. The foundation teaches that connection is key - isolation fuels suicidal thoughts. Most importantly, take all warning signs seriously and don't keep it secret. If immediate danger exists, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988). Remember - your support could be someone's "baseball moment" that keeps them going.
Q: What daily practices help maintain mental wellness?
A: Drew's recovery shows that mental health is an ongoing practice, not a one-time fix. His daily "trifecta" combines meditation (calms the mind), journaling (processes emotions), and exercise (boosts mood). Consistency matters more than perfection - he still has tough days, but these tools help him weather them. The foundation emphasizes that small, sustainable habits create real change. Whether it's these methods or others, finding what works for you and sticking with it makes all the difference. As Drew says, "When I'm consistent with self-care, that's when I'm at my best."
