Tom Phillips takes positive step against illness: admits depression

Tom Phillips

Nine months ago, I posted a note about a masters athlete with severe depression. Your comments, public and private, helped. Now the athlete has decided to tell his own story — on his own blog. His name is Tom Phillips. And besides being one of the best masters track photographers in the world, he’s also a world-class M55 sprinter. His British team won gold in the 4×100 at Lahti. He says on his blog: “Depression is ghastly. It will change your life, maybe for a short while, maybe for a long time, but you can live with it. It need not define you as a person. Indeed, you must not let it define you. I am still an athlete. I do not see myself as a depressed athlete, just an athlete coping with depression.” God save the Queen, and God bless Tom for the courage to tell his story.

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November 6, 2010

8 Responses

  1. Bubba Sparks - November 6, 2010

    Great for Tom. I think the older we get the more we tend to keep things to ourselves and that can be very dangerous. He sounds positve and defiant like a guy who feels he will win. Gotta love that. Bubba

    PS – Bob Fraley used to say “if you think you’re going to have a good day or a bad day, you are probably right”.

  2. Weia Reinboud - November 6, 2010

    I knew Tom only via digital fora, always pleasant. In Nyíregyháza I met him for the first time in real life, he took a lot of pictures of me – and indeed a very nice person. I had not the slightest idea of wat was going on in your head, Tom! Most likely you will come out, and also likely that you come out better or at least wiser than you went in. But it costs time (I am more or less experienced). Chances are low that a hug of a world record holder is good medication, but here you have it.

  3. Tom Phillips - November 7, 2010

    Thanks guys, and thank Ken.

    Bubba, I WILL see you in Sacramento. Weia, I WILL cash that hug in, in Ghent!

  4. Doug Smith (the Junior) - November 7, 2010

    Hang in there Buddy. My wife has suffered from mental illness for 35 years of our marriage. You’re right – it doesn’t define us, it’s something we live with.
    I’ll be in Sacro fo a big man-hug !! рџ™‚

  5. clem leon - November 8, 2010

    tom i know you will alway’s be positive your a winner.
    think positive always make’s you have a good day.

    clem.

  6. mary Harada - November 8, 2010

    Looking forward to seeing you in Sacramento Tom. Meanwhile I hope the meds are working and you are feeling better.

  7. Jim Fuqua Jr. - November 11, 2010

    Masters track and field saved me. I was diagnosed as Bi-polar some 20 years ago. 4 years ago I was about to be admitted to a psyche ward. Just saw no light at the end of the tunnel. Fatigue beyond belief. I just happened on a masters article and noticed that Tennessee was having their championships. My knees were shot but I could still throw. I entered the meet and finished 2nd by 1/2 inch with a borrowed javelin. I was instantly hooked. I bought two javelins and dove in the deep end right away. I have been training like a maniac since. I have been ranked #2 in the U.S. and world the last two years. I may never be #1 but it is out there and I am striving to get there. To say it has helped my depression is a severe understatement. Like you it does not define me but it has opened doors for me to help others with this crippling disease. Thank you for sharing and opening yourself up to this community. Sincerely

  8. Tom Phillips - November 11, 2010

    Jim, I am moved. I hope to meet you in Sacramento next July. Do be there!
    Tom

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