# @iamshaunspencer on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DePxNg7DVR9
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/71593916-iamshaunspencer-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/0dcde713e3.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-10-08T20:15:08.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Shaun Spencer (@iamshaunspencer) — https://gondola.cc/iamshaunspencer

## Caption

This week, Lane Johnson retired from the Eagles after 14 seasons and said it is critical right now to focus on his mental health. The next morning on First Take, Stephen A. Smith's comments drew pushback from his own colleagues, and by this morning, he said, "I was wrong to Lane Johnson."

While the country argued about toughness and fragility, every young athlete watching was learning what to do when the weight of balancing mental health and being an athlete shows up for them.

I learned this years ago while I was training for the Olympics. I walked away due to a career-ending injury, which led to depression, extreme anxiety attacks daily, and alcoholism. I eventually moved away from my training camp for my mental health and recovery. 

What we must always remember is that Anxiety holds information about what matters most to us and what is at stake. We must all learn to read and understand that information. It's life-changing.

If you work with athletes, here is a place to start. The next time someone tells you they are nervous or feeling very anxious, ask four questions before you give any advice. 

What matters to you about this game?
What do you think this moment is telling you?
What does this moment need from you?
What would help you most right now?

Then listen to the answer. You are teaching them to read the signal instead of fighting it or hiding it.

Comment "Team" if you are an athlete, coach, or the parent of an athlete.

#SpencerPerformanceInstitute #MyAnxietyMadeMe #AthleteMentalHealth #MentalHealthInSports #Anxiety #Depression #SportsParents #LaneJohnson

## Stats

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- **Likes:** 7
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## Tags

anxiety, athletementalhealth, mentalhealthinsports, lanejohnson, depression, myanxietymademe, sportsparents, spencerperformanceinstitute

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