Mental Health Information Week (MHIS), October 9-22, is an opportunity to raise awareness of the issues and risks involved. Because mental health is everyone’s business, both in the private sector and at work. And who better to talk about it than men and women considered “indestructible”?
Five athletes, five courses, same success
In front of the camera of Bertrand Briard and Emmanuel Le Berry (Les Bleus 2018, at the center of the Russian epic), five very high-level athletes follow each other. In an intimate and cozy atmosphere, they begin by describing their extraordinary journey.
Among them, Camille Lacour, Perrin Lafont, Jeremy Flores, Valentin Porte and Issaora Tibus won almost fifteen “World Champion” titles, but also two gold medals and one silver at the Olympic Games. Titanic physiques, smiles on their faces, they seem confident, as if they are absolutely untouchable.
Having become a real reference in their fields, most of them admit that they have achieved their goals, their “childhood dreams”. However, the tone of their testimony quickly becomes tinged with palpable nervousness.
It is as strong as it is fragile
Indeed, their journey was not easy. In addition to the rigors of the most rigorous training their bodies were subjected to on a daily basis, their minds were also under constant pressure. Burdens that others carry, but to become the best themselves.
This extremely ambitious goal prompts them to constantly question themselves. In case of defeat it is “The whole world is falling apart” explains the documentary’s narrator, Ben Mazuet, in his musical voice. The fear of failure is so great that it becomes a real obsession for these people with the image of “supermen”. “No more pleasure, no more desire, no more energy, no more motivation“- explains skier Perrin Lafont.
A sudden, serious and dangerous loss of emotions, which psychiatrist Stefan Muchabak immediately recognizes as a symptom of depression. Because despite their size and the rigors of their training, athletes remain sensitive people. “Every fourth person experiences depression in their lifeexplains Dr. Muchabak at STRoNG. It is difficult to talk about an invisible disease that everyone can get. We get the impression that not talking about it makes the evil go away, but this is an illusion.”
A voice that is not so easy, especially since public figures are often accused of living a dream life, entirely their passion. But if the confrontation with failure, defeat scares them, sports victory only delays the inevitable suffering: when a person retires, often at a young age, what remains of the athlete?
“Who am I ? asks Camille Lacour. Today I am a former top athlete, but who am I in the present? It’s scary because we don’t know.Incessant questioning that drove them, for the most part, into depression, or even morbid thoughts, as Jeremy Flores recounts.
If you are suffering or want to help someone, you can contact 3114, the national suicide prevention number, 24/7, or visit 3114.fr
Each of them thinks that by listening to themselves, by talking about fatigue, loss of desire, they managed to overcome depression. Surrounded by loved ones and professionals, they managed to reconnect with the source of their passion and let the audience witness their recovery.
STRONG: As Strong as it is Fragile, a moving and informative documentary about mental health, you can watch it on Prime Video.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
