:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/52292185/usa_today_9543495.0.jpeg)
Brandon Brooks has missed two of the last three games with a last minute illness. Prior to the Monday Night Football game against the Packers three weeks ago, Brooks was so ill he was hospitalized. On Sunday against the Bengals, he was again a late scratch with illness.
Speaking with reporters today, he revealed that what he thought were recurring ulcers were the symptom anxiety issues.
Brandon Brooks said he suffers from anxiety. It's from his obsession with football, he said. He is receiving treatment.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) December 14, 2016
Brooks: "I'm not ashamed. I'm not embarrassed. It's life. I'll get through this." Said already on medications to help.
— Reuben Frank (@RoobCSN) December 14, 2016
Brandon Brooks said he will take medicine to "chill me out." Said he doesn't feel depressed. Said he's felt anxiety for a long time.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) December 14, 2016
Asked Brooks if #Eagles had asked him about two game day illnesses in Hou before signing. Said his illness was always described as an ulcer.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) December 14, 2016
Struggling with a mental illness can be incredibly difficult, especially when you perform in a public light. For years, Brandon Marshall dealt with Borderline Personality Disorder, but didn’t know it. It caused him problems during his time in Denver, who eventually traded him to Miami. While in Miami, he was properly diagnosed and for BPD, and announced in a press conference that he had the disorder. Since then, with treatment and understanding, Marshall has turned his life around. His numerous legal troubles went away, and after being suspended or benched prior to the diagnosis, he has only missed time due to injury.
Hopefully a similar path can be laid for Brandon Brooks.