News Article: Paul Martin Recounts His Struggle with Addiction

[golfortennis]

Glad to hear he was able to overcome things. Never an easy thing to deal with. Hopefully he is able to keep himself in a good frame of mind, or at least reach out to the right help if things get dark again.

Keep fighting the good fight.

 

[cygnus47]

Woah, a lot of insight there you don't always get. I've always wondered about the mental health of those guys that seem to be constantly battling injuries. Beau Bennett comes to mind, someone that could have been a consistent NHL impact player and made a lot of money as well, but his body just wouldn't agree with him. Just so unfortunate. Don't know if I've read someone being that honest about how hard it is to watch a team win without you or after you leave, missing out on once in a lifetime opportunities because of freak accidents. Not to mention all the physical pain as well. Getting to your prime and then having it taken away from you? Imagine if Sid hadn't been able to turn his career around after the concussions?

 

[CascadiaPenguin]

Wow, that was a helluva read. And maybe a reminder I should strive to be less of dick when discussing disappointing games and player performances in here? Like another poster in here said, these kids are human. Faster, stronger, and more determined perhaps, than most humans, but certainly not physically or psychologically indestructible. And likely suffering from the pressure and contagion of being immersed in competitive hockey culture starting at such an early age. It also reminds me how unbelievably fortunate we've been to enjoy guys like Mario and Sid, players who faced serious health impediments to say the least, yet battled back to the pinnacle of the sport while never, ever, not for a f***ing second, not representing Pittsburgh with utter class and integrity. I can't imagine the pressure.

Wishing Paul Martin peace.

EDIT- I found the retirement article in The Athletic about Paul. Worthy read if you're interested. Even has great commentary from Jake's dad from his Gopher days: 'You'll always miss it': As hockey career ends, Paul Martin embraces what's next

 

[NewAgeOutlaw]

The old school hockey types will hate this, but the human body is just not really designed to grind through 82 games seasons + playoffs. That doesn't even factor in the daily grind of the conditioning required to maintain your athleticism. Also, you have injury rehabs, which seem like hell from any stories I have heard.

It is easy to see how somebody would need help to push through it. It is a problem that is likely more widespread than the public will ever know.

 

[DesertPenguin]

The old school hockey types will hate this, but the human body is just not really designed to grind through 82 games seasons + playoffs. That doesn't even factor in the daily grind of the conditioning required to maintain your athleticism. Also, you have injury rehabs, which seem like hell from any stories I have heard.

It is easy to see how somebody would need help to push through it. It is a problem that is likely more widespread than the public will ever know.

The few individuals I know that have made it to the professional level in their sport all shared a drive and focus that bordered on mental illness. It's basically required to succeed at that level for all but the elite of elite natural athletes, but I worry for the long term health of anyone who pushes their mind and body to that extent.

 

[Finesse]

Love Paul martin.

 

[Big Friggin Dummy]

Another great read from a bit ago. The Things You Can’t See | By Colin Wilson

The old school hockey types will hate this, but the human body is just not really designed to grind through 82 games seasons + playoffs. That doesn't even factor in the daily grind of the conditioning required to maintain your athleticism. Also, you have injury rehabs, which seem like hell from any stories I have heard.

It is easy to see how somebody would need help to push through it. It is a problem that is likely more widespread than the public will ever know.

Coupled with the fact that doctors sling around heavy duty drugs--pretty much specifically designed to get you hooked--like they're candy and it's a recipe for some real great shit.

 

[Night Shift]

Good guy. Miss him