Angela Lee, the reigning atomweight champion, has recently unveiled a deeply personal and harrowing chapter from her life. In a candid and heart-wrenching article published on The Players’ Tribune, the 27-year-old Hawaiian fighter revealed that her 2017 car crash, initially believed to be a life-threatening accident, was, in fact, a desperate suicide attempt. But Angela’s story doesn’t end there; it’s a testament to resilience and the power of seeking help.
The Weight of Expectations
Angela Lee’s journey took a dark turn in the days leading up to a scheduled fight. She was grappling with an exceptionally challenging weight cut, a common struggle for many fighters. Her body wasn’t cooperating, refusing to shed the extra pounds required to meet the strict weight requirements of her sport.
In her own words, Angela explains, “Pressure, stress, and expectations all began to build up.” It’s a predicament that athletes often find themselves in, where the pursuit of perfection can become all-consuming. Angela, like so many others, believed that her upcoming fight was the single most crucial thing in her life. It’s a mindset that can be both motivating and destructive, as she would soon discover.
The Breaking Point
Angela’s determination to make weight pushed her to a breaking point. She vividly recounts her desperate attempts to sabotage her own chances, first trying to break her arm and then attempting to induce a concussion. These actions were born out of sheer desperation, a reflection of the tremendous mental and emotional toll her sport had taken on her.
When these attempts failed, Angela embarked on a late-night drive along a treacherous stretch of Hawaiian highway. She admits, “I just pressed my foot all the way down on the gas pedal,” hoping that one sharp turn of the wheel would put an end to her suffering. What followed was a horrific car crash that left her car overturned, surrounded by shattered glass and the haunting question, “Am I still here? Am I alive?”
The Long Road to Healing
In the aftermath of the crash, only Angela’s husband knew the truth of what had transpired. It would take her months to come to terms with her suicide attempt and begin the journey of healing. Angela shares, “Everything about this healing process has been a challenge, of course. It has been far from easy.”
But Angela’s story isn’t just about pain and despair; it’s about resilience and hope. She emphasizes that she’s only human, acknowledging that life isn’t meant to be perfect. Each day, she chooses to keep fighting, armed with newfound tools and a support system that helps her navigate the tough days.
A Beacon of Hope
More recently, Angela Lee has channeled her experiences into a non-profit organization she co-founded called Fightstory. This initiative aims to provide a platform for individuals to share their own battles with mental health, inspired by Angela’s own journey and the tragic passing of her 18-year-old sister, Victoria Lee, just over nine months ago.
“Fightstory is just as much hers as it is mine,” Angela shares, highlighting her sister’s lasting impact on her mission to make the world a better place for those battling mental health issues. She wants people to know that they are not alone in their struggles and that there is strength in honesty and in asking for help.
A Message of Support
In closing, Angela Lee delivers a poignant message of support for anyone grappling with mental health challenges: “If you are struggling right now, if you are in a dark place, if you are contemplating ending your life, let us be the ones to say, we understand. We know how you feel.” She underscores the importance of reaching out and seeking help, emphasizing that we can all be there for each other.
Angela Lee’s revelation is a stark reminder of the hidden battles many face, even in the world of sports and success. Her story serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging others to open up about their struggles and seek the support they need. It’s a message that resonates far beyond the realm of sports, touching the lives of anyone who has faced their own moments of darkness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Angela Lee Mental Health
Q: What prompted Angela Lee to reveal her suicide attempt from 2017?
A: Angela Lee decided to share her suicide attempt as part of a personal article to raise awareness about mental health struggles in the world of sports and to encourage others to seek help when facing similar challenges.
Q: What led Angela Lee to consider taking her own life?
A: Angela Lee’s suicide attempt stemmed from the immense pressure, stress, and expectations she faced in preparing for a crucial fight. Her struggle with a challenging weight cut and the fear of disappointing others by failing to make weight pushed her to a breaking point.
Q: How did Angela Lee attempt to sabotage her own fight preparation?
A: Angela Lee made desperate attempts to sabotage her fight preparation by initially trying to break her own arm and then attempting to give herself a concussion. When these efforts failed, she resorted to a high-speed, late-night drive that resulted in a car crash.
Q: How did Angela Lee cope with the aftermath of her suicide attempt?
A: Angela Lee’s journey to healing was challenging and took months. She emphasized the importance of seeking help and the strength in honesty and asking for support. She also shared her story to help others facing similar struggles.
Q: What is Fightstory, and how did it come about?
A: Fightstory is a non-profit organization co-founded by Angela Lee. It provides a platform for people to share their personal battles with mental health. The initiative was inspired by Angela’s own experiences and the tragic loss of her sister, Victoria Lee, who took her own life.
Q: What message does Angela Lee want to convey to those struggling with mental health issues?
A: Angela Lee’s message is one of understanding and support. She wants individuals facing mental health challenges to know they are not alone and encourages them to reach out for help. She emphasizes that strength lies in honesty and seeking assistance from a support network.
More about Angela Lee Mental Health
- Angela Lee’s Article on The Players’ Tribune
- Fightstory Non-Profit
- One Championship – Angela Lee
- The Importance of Mental Health in Sports
4 comments
wow! angela lee’s story, so inspierin’. she went thru so much, but now she’s helpin’ others. mental helth’s super importnt!
music’s my jam, but readin’ bout angela’s journey makes me realize how much we don’t kno bout ppl’s struggles. #bekind
that’s a crazy story. i never knew athletes could face such intense pressure. hope this helps ppl talk bout their own stuff!
tech is cool, but rememberin’ that peeps like angela lee also go thru tuff times makes ya think. support’s key! #mentalhealth