Employee Resources
All-Star Team Tackles Workplace Mental Health
Terry Bradshaw’s Story
NFL Hall of Famer, Former Quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers
"Not even four Super Bowl wins can compare to the sense of accomplishment I feel for overcoming my life-long struggle with depression. It’s nice to finally know that it wasn't just me, depression was something beyond my control."
Few would argue Terry Bradshaw's status as one of the greatest quarterbacks to play in the history of the NFL. After all, this legend led the Pittsburgh Steelers to numerous playoff appearances, eight division titles and four Super Bowl wins in his stellar 14-season career with the team. Today, Terry remains active in the public eye as co-host of an award-winning sports TV show, co-owner of a NASCAR racing team and a best-selling author. From a distance, Terry seems to have had the perfect life both on and off the football field, but behind the public achievements and successes lay Terry's private battle with depression.
Throughout college and his career with the Steelers, Terry experienced unexplainable anxiety attacks, mood swings and bouts of depression. Undiagnosed, his condition progressively worsened, to the point where he could not function beyond the job required of him as quarterback. Even in the short time between possession changes, Terry would become distracted from the game and focus instead on his problems.
At the time, public knowledge and information on depression was scarce, leading to the public stigma associated with the condition. Given these factors, Terry kept his symptoms of depression a secret, even though the negative thoughts persisted. Without appropriate medical attention, Terry continued to suffer the effects of depression for years.
As time progressed, the emotional strain affected Terry's decision making and personal relationships, eventually contributing to the demise of his three marriages. After a lifetime of dealing with his problem privately, Terry finally sought the advice of his preacher, who in turn recommended Terry to a family counselor. With the help of the counselor and a psychiatrist, Terry was diagnosed with depression and began treatment with therapy and medication.
Six years later, Terry contends that the diagnosis lifted a great weight from his shoulders. Instead of believing his problems were his own and that he should cope silently, he learned that what he was experiencing was a result of a treatable condition. Although depression will always be with Terry - part of the nature of the illness - it no longer consumes his thinking and he is able to better manage it. He hopes that by sharing his experience with depression, he can help other sufferers recognize the condition and encourage them to seek help.
Following visits to cities across the country, Terry has received an overwhelming response for his efforts to share his experience with depression and will make additional stops in the coming months.