New York Islanders Daily: Robin Lehner Opens Up About Addiction and Mental Health

New York Islanders goalie Robin Lehner opened up about his addiction and mental health in a tell-all story with The Athletic.

If you’re not already subscribed to The Athletic, this story is just another reason to do so. In a beautifully written article, New York Islanders goalie, Robin Lehner, spoke about his struggles with depression and addiction.

He goes into great detail about the day he needed to make a change, March 29, 2018. After a tough night out the day before, Lehner suffered a full-blown panic attack at the game. It was the start of his realization of his issues.

With speaking with NHL.com after the article came out, Lehner discussed how much support he had from Lou Lamoriello and Barry Trotz.

"“We’ve been extremely honest about my rehabilitation to every team and as I said in the piece there’s a few things that I’ve been hesitant about which is unfortunate in this day and age,” Lehner said. “But the first time I talked to Lou and Trotz I was surprised about their response, they didn’t think anything of it, they were just happy I’m here and healthy and that’s great.”"

Lehner coming forward with his struggles is important. It’s extremely tough to talk about, and I commend him for talking about it, but it’s also important that we talk about mental health and end the stigma that goes along with the term “mental health”.

Lehner proves that demons don’t pick and choose who they prey on. You can be a world class athlete and still struggle with depression and addiction, and that is completly normal and okay. Opening up about these things allows more people to get the help they need.

If you reading this are struggling don’t be afraid to ask for help. If a six-foot-four 245 pound athlete can admit that he needs help you can too, take it from me, it makes all the difference in the world.

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