Lewis Hamilton has become the latest driver to reveal his battle with mental health as he talks of depression and bullying.

A number of drivers, most notably Lando Norris and George Russell, have previously talked of their struggles, even though, from the outside, it would appear they are living the dream.

Talking to The Times, Hamilton reveals that he was bullied at school and in later years has battled with depression.

"I think it was the pressure of the racing and struggling at school, the bullying. I had no one to talk to," says the seven-time world champion.

"I've struggled with mental health through my life, depression from a very early age when I was, like, 13, when I was in my twenties I had some really difficult phases," he adds.

Revealing that in his efforts to win the battle he has tried silent retreats, Hamilton also admits that while his previous experience of therapy didn't appear to help he might consider trying again in the future.

"I spoke to one woman, years ago, but that wasn't really helpful," he says. "I would like to find someone today."

If nothing else, the Mercedes star feels he is more mature now than at the start of his career.

"You're learning about things that have been passed down to you from your parents, noticing those patterns, how you react to things, how you can change those," he says. "So what might have angered me in the past doesn't anger me today. I am so much more refined."

The Briton also reveals that during the pandemic he began a routine which he believes has really helped, waking up at 5 am to meditate and then heading out for a run.

"It's a really great way of getting in touch with myself, my inner feelings, understanding what I can do," he says.

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1. Posted by trackrecords, 03/10/2024 2:23

"I used to chat with Lewis and his dad, when he was doing Formula Renault UK with Manor Motorsport: nervous parents welcome any conversation to calm their frazzled pre-race nerves, while the teenage racers welcome a 'bit of slack', being able to 'shake-off' the attentions of a fussing parent who just increases the kid's own stress levels.
(Van Diemen FF manufacturer, Ralph Firman [Snr] just couldn't bear to watch his son, Ralph [Jnr], racing and would pace nervously back and forth under a PA speaker at the back of the pit garages, frantically chain-smoking, wishing that the chequered flag would fall!)
I remember Lewis saying that, because of McLaren's involvement, as a schoolboy, he needed to have exemplary behaviour and couldn't relax. He had to be extra conciencious with his schoolwork, as Ron wanted a 'model' pupil, because Lewis was a McLaren schoolboy: in effect his whole life was being sponsored.
If he got into any 'trouble', Ron and McLaren would 'pull the plug' on the funding and his career would come to a halt. He was lucky to have good, loving and supportive parents. But, his insecurity was obvious, and that he was introvert and self-conscious about one aspect of his appearance: something that has now been rectified.

When Manor team owner, John Booth, signed him, he told me that while Lewis was confident in his ability, thankfully he wasn't cocky or extrovert.
In effect, he couldn't left off steam. Perhaps his tattoos are a product of finally being able to make his own - wrong - decisions. Being the only Karter of Afro-Caribbean descent at a kart meeting must have been very lonely. And even today, a karting paddock is a very white Anglo-Saxon event. "

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2. Posted by Tyrbiter, 02/10/2024 18:46

"@Superbird70 Like you I have adult children who have suffered, and still do, with some of the demons of life just as I have. That is one of the hardest things to watch, because ultimately the 'cure' for my own feelings of inadequacy and fear of my own life's consequences is that eventually you reach an age where you have fought the tone-deaf idiots that have caused you so much pain to a bloodstained draw and you finally realise that you couldn't give a shit about what anyone thinks of you any more. That is when liberation occurs, when you feel able to shout at the world and see the fools cower because they have not learned to do that."

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3. Posted by Editor, 02/10/2024 13:05

"There are numerous examples one could cite, but for now I'll drop just one name... Robin Williams.

A universally loved and respected man, but clearly mired in self-doubt, fearful of a future consisting of sequels to Mrs Doubtfire.

"If you're that depressed, reach out to someone," he once said. "And remember, suicide is a permanent solution, to a temporary problem."

"Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about," he also told us. "Be kind. Always."

I am fiercely proud that we can have these sorts of discussions here."

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4. Posted by Spindoctor, 01/10/2024 22:02

"Good to see some genuinely heartfelt, sympathetic & moving comments. "

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5. Posted by Superbird70, 01/10/2024 20:15

"Thank you everyone for speaking up. My two adult children both face a daily struggle with mental illnes Anorexia and anxiety for one , and depression coupled with OCD for the other. It is painful to watch at times and you treasure the good days.

Lewis did a brave thing, and a good thing. "

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6. Posted by BillH, 01/10/2024 17:43

"These drivers will be going through challenges that many folks do however also have the added pressure of very public performance and fame to contend with.
Very good that Hamilton and his rivals are talking about this.
We in New Zealand have one of the highest male suicide rates in the OECD, farmers and those that work on farms are particularly at risk as they are often working alone and farming isn't easy, sometimes not even profitable (Clarkson's Farm has been very good at bringing this to many people's attention) with many things out of the control of the farmer such as weather, regulations and market prices.

Depression is serious, deadly serious in some cases so anything that the likes of Sir Lewis can do to help is most welcome."

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7. Posted by Simon in Adelaide, 01/10/2024 3:35

"There is a lot to be said for some close mates that you can have a pint with on a regular basis just to talk bollocks and get things off your chest."

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8. Posted by SF 158, 30/09/2024 20:57

"I like the thoughts everyone has contributed.

In his book ‘Life is Messy,’ author Matthew Kelly addresses the fact that we are not alone, we all struggle with the unique, difficult times we experience. Here are some quotes, strung together, from Chapter 1: “Life is messy. That’s the human dilemma. The mess in life is both inevitable and unexpected. There is nothing you can start doing or stop doing that will eradicate the mess. There is nothing you can buy, learn, or accomplish that will eradicate the mess. The problem is our erroneous belief that everything should be immaculate, orderly, neat, tidy, and in place. Our tendency is to think that we are the only ones with a mess, that our mess is messier, more embarrassing, more shameful than other people’s mess. It isn’t so. You don’t have it all together. Nobody has it all together.”

Yep, we’ve all been there for one thing or another, and chances are we’ve got more messes ahead. But thankfully, we all pick ourselves up and move on. Carry on, friends.
"

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9. Posted by Celtic Tiger, 30/09/2024 17:35

"I get the eye-rolling and the skepticism because a lot of these high profile sportsman/celebrities are very calculating when it comes to managing their brand that you can't trust so easily that what cause they're speaking out on is genuine or pandering. Especially in Hamilton's case who is very active curating his personal brand, not that I'm saying he's full of it, I'm just saying I get the skepticism and eye-rolling when he speaks out on a particular social stigma.

With that said, Its odd in a way that as a top sportsman its easier to reach people with a message but by the same token its harder to talk about their own problems due to the image and expectations the fans built for them and the fear of destroying that. So, a tip of the cap is warranted when they do. It helps remind us that they are human beings at the end of it all. As a man who lives in a society that by and large doesn't listen nor care about the mental and physical suffering that men generally go through its reassuring that other men with more social clout can shine a light on it. To give courage for other men to seek out the very little available helplines there are out there and give them a shot, is a positive thing.

So, a nod of respect for not only the drivers who talk about it but the people, like the ones here at Pitpass, who take the time to publish their stories that allow their message to reach farther."

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10. Posted by Dirt, 30/09/2024 14:46

"@Editor: Well put.

Being close to one who's suffered from depression all her life I see first hand how debilitating it can be.

My daughter has now, unfortunately, been exposed to the darker side of depression when one of her high school choir mates committed suicide this past summer between graduation and the beginning of college. She was on a full scholarship for sports and was, by everyone's account, happy and well adjusted. Happy, at times, can be no more than a front."

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11. Posted by Team Hack, 30/09/2024 13:38

"@editor

Well said."

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12. Posted by Ricardo_sanchez, 30/09/2024 13:22

"@editor - very eloquently put. Thank you for being so open about something so personal. It definitely helps others to hear that what they’re going through is not so unusual and that it can be overcome.

And thanks for giving us this site on which we get to share our thoughts, disagree with one another, agree with one another and sometimes even make one another laugh. We are very lucky to have the site and this community. "

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13. Posted by Editor, 30/09/2024 12:50

"In all honesty, it is like when people are suspicious of celebrities linking up with charities and causes. The fact is that celebrities draw attention and will help bring much needed publicity.

Over the course of my life I have been through various times when I have suffered depression, not least when one of my parents committed suicide.

A few years back I went through a very, very bad period and I can honestly say that it was only Pitpass and my cats that got me through it.

I had always been the type not to talk about such things, but told that I had 'crossed a line' and was therefore in danger, I sought counselling.

Just talking about things, knowing you're not the only one, indeed hearing of others who are worse off, helps enormously. The fact that I am here typing this is proof of that.

Looking at multi-millionaire sportsman who appear to have the world at their feet it is easy to scoff, but they too will have their dark times, be it self-doubt, the potential end of your career - as Daniel will be facing right now - the hangers on that surround you and the inability to lead a 'normal' life.

One thing I will say is that I pity youngsters today. My youth was spent having fun, going to gigs - the Marquee Club a couple of nights a week - girls and all the rest of it. The various pressures on kids today is enormous and appears to come from all directions.

There is currently an ad on TV about suicide, the basic message being: "Stop the silence". This not only means talking... but listening.

Rest assured, the seemingly happiest people on the outside are probably putting on an act to hide the nightmare within. I talk from experience."

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14. Posted by JamesD, 30/09/2024 11:54

"@kenji - whether you like Lewis or not, I have no issues with him talking about depression. Having personally suffered for years with depression in silence, it's various friends and others I have seen talk about it that finally encouraged me to go and seek help.

Fortunately, I'm not on any medication and talking - when I need to - about the funk I can be in helps and makes life a little easier. As humans we don't talk about depression enough and us guys are the worst at it, so I wouldn't criticise or discourage anyone to talk about the state of their mental health."

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15. Posted by kenji, 30/09/2024 11:24

"Is there no end to this ........."

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Hamilton talks of his battle with depression

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