CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- In early August, Steve Smith revealed he had had bouts of depression while an active player with the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens. He talked about feeling "trapped, inferior and alone."
Carolina's all-time leading receiver spoke out after the suicides of Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade. Smith also referred to Brian Dawkins' battle with depression and thoughts of suicide the Pro Bowl safety discussed in late July as he was about to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The prevalence of depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses in people in all walks of life -- including the NFL -- led the Panthers to hire therapist Tish Guerin.