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BYU quarterback Tanner Mangum opens up about mental health

Daily Herald - 4/5/2017

Tanner Mangum, BYU's starting quarterback, has 3,618 yards, 289 completions, and 29 total touchdowns in his career. He also has a knack for Hail Mary touchdown passes late in football games -- just ask Nebraska and Boise State.

But what you might not know is that Mangum also has mild depression and anxiety.

Since it's Mental Health Awareness Week at BYU, Mangum wanted to let his voice be heard.

In a post on Instagram, the junior quarterback talked about his struggles, and the things he does to overcome his depression and anxiety.

"This might be surprising to many, due to my normally optimistic, outgoing, and happy personality," Mangum said in the post, "but I hope we can understand that just because someone is beaming brightly on the outside, doesn't mean they are free from their own personal struggles underneath the surface."

It's Mental Health Awareness Week here at BYU and I want to speak out about something that I consider very personal and real. Not many people know that I suffer from mild depression and anxiety. I take antidepressants every day to help with my condition, have visits with a counselor, and I am not ashamed; on the contrary, I am proud to embrace my own personal journey, accept and love myself -- flaws and all. I am grateful to be able to raise my voice, and stand up for those who experience similar struggles. This might be surprising to many, due to my normally optimistic, outgoing, and happy personality, but I hope we can understand that just because someone is beaming brightly on the outside, doesn't mean they are free from their own personal struggles underneath the surface. We are all human, each with unique battles, and I promise that these battles are better fought together, not alone. Mental illness is one of my personal battles and I want to offer my love and support to all those who suffer in one way or another. You are not alone. There is help. Let's focus on accepting and loving one another for who we are and celebrate our humanity. It's a beautiful thing. Let's erase the stigma surrounding mental health. #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness

A post shared by Tanner Mangum (@tannermangum) onApr 3, 2017 at 4:16pm PDT

Mangum said that he wants to erase the stigma surrounding mental health.

"Let's focus on accepting and loving one another for who we are and celebrate our humanity. It's a beautiful thing," Mangum concluded.