Spotlight on Suni Lee: Facing Anxiety & Impostor Syndrome En Route To Winning At The Olympics

Olympic gold medal gymnast Suni Lee has captivated the world with her athletic prowess and inspiring journey. Beyond her achievements on the mat, Suni has been an outspoken advocate for mental health, shedding light on the often-hidden struggles faced by elite athletes.

Facing Anxiety and Impostor Syndrome

Suni Lee has openly discussed her battle with anxiety attacks and impostor syndrome following her success at the Tokyo Olympics. In a candid interview, she shared, "I feel like sometimes I don't deserve the things that I've accomplished." This vulnerability resonates with many who face similar feelings of self-doubt despite their achievements.

Suni has vulnerably revealed, "I've had imposter syndrome... I feel like I don't belong." This sentiment is echoed by many who achieve great success and struggle to internalize their accomplishments.

The Importance of Positive Affirmations

Suni has emphasized the role of positive affirmations in maintaining mental health. She stated, "Positive affirmations have been a huge part of my routine. They help me stay focused and remind me of my worth." Incorporating affirmations into daily routines can be a powerful tool for mental resilience. She was even seen reciting some affirmations to herself right before her medal-winning performance in this year's Olympics, where she was seen saying "Okay... You got this... Last one... This one is for me... Last one ever... Come on... Without a doubt."

Acknowledging the Pressure

The intense pressure of being in the public eye can be overwhelming. Suni has highlighted the importance of acknowledging this pressure and seeking support. She mentioned, "It's okay to ask for help. It's okay to not be okay all the time." This message encourages others to prioritize their mental health and seek assistance when needed.

Suni Lee's Go-To Self-Care Practices

Suni has shared her self-care practices, emphasizing the importance of rest and relaxation. "I've learned that taking time for myself is crucial," she said. "Whether it's reading a book, spending time with family, or just taking a break from social media, self-care is essential."

More specifically, she has spoken on the importance that therapy and journaling have played in maintaining her mental wellbeing and allowing her to perform at Olympic medal-winning levels for years now: "I love journaling things down and writing how I feel because I'm a very shy person, so I’ll never say things out loud,” Lee said. “Even therapy was hard for me at first because I always felt so shy about how I felt. Journaling and therapy has definitely been something that’s changed the game for me because now I’m able to write down how I feel or tell someone how I feel and know where it stemmed from, rather than just going out there and kind of hoping I do well.”

Conclusion

Suni Lee's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of mental health advocacy. Her candid discussions about anxiety, impostor syndrome, and the pressures of success offer valuable insights and encouragement to those facing similar struggles. By sharing her story, Suni continues to inspire and empower individuals to prioritize their mental well-being.

Key Takeaways

• Mental Health Awareness: Suni Lee's openness about her struggles highlights the importance of acknowledging and addressing mental health issues.
• Positive Affirmations: Incorporating positive affirmations into daily routines can significantly impact mental resilience and self-worth.
• Seeking Support: It's crucial to seek support and acknowledge that it's okay not to be okay all the time.

Suni Lee's story serves as a powerful reminder that mental health is just as crucial as physical health, and that embracing self-care, seeking support, and maintaining a positive mindset are essential for overall well-being. Through her transparency and strength, Suni continues to inspire individuals to prioritize their mental health and live authentically.