The Resilience of Simone Biles

Why criticism of mental health support is misguided

Readers of Teensights know that I frequently explore the value of diagnosing our struggles. Whether pathologizing our experiences is genuinely helpful is a nuanced question. Much of the time, I worry that we are too quick to label unpleasant yet typical human experiences as disorders. This tendency can lead to an over-reliance on diagnoses that may not always serve us well. 

However, it's crucial to recognize that diagnoses can also be incredibly beneficial. They validate our struggles, help us conceptualize and cohesively describe what’s happening, and lead us to effective treatments. Diagnoses can provide a framework for understanding our experiences and finding the right support.

Ultimately, my main point is that we all struggle in very real ways. Regardless of whether these struggles meet the criteria for a formal diagnosis, everyone can benefit from support to manage their stressors more effectively.

Given this perspective, I was particularly disappointed to hear about JD Vance's criticism of Simone Biles for seeking mental health support during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Vance suggested that Biles was weak for withdrawing from the competition to seek psychological treatment and argued that celebrating her as a hero for advocating mental health support was essentially celebrating a quitter. This viewpoint is not only misguided but also harmful.

We have ample evidence that Simone Biles is far from a quitter. Instead, she embodies resourcefulness and resilience. She was self-reflective enough to recognize that she was struggling, mobilized the resources she needed to get better, and undertook the hard work required to improve not only her mental health but also her gymnastics performance. Biles emerged from her challenges even more successful than before, showcasing the best of what our mental health system can achieve.

Simone Biles represents a powerful example of how seeking help and prioritizing mental health is a sign of strength, not weakness. Her journey highlights the importance of acknowledging our struggles, whether they fit neatly into a diagnostic category or not, and the value of seeking support to navigate life's inevitable challenges.

In celebrating figures like Biles, we reinforce the idea that we all face difficulties, and by supporting each other in managing them, we create a more compassionate and understanding society.

***

Still not sure how we feel about 2024 Mean Girls, but Eleanor and I are positive that Renee Rapp is incredible!