Former Senator Borowiecki shares mental health struggles
Former Ottawa Senator Mark Borowiecki is opening up about his mental health struggles, saying he hopes his speaking publicly can encourage other athletes to get the help they need.
In a lengthy Instagram post on Tuesday, the Nashville Predators defenceman revealed he has suffered from obsessive-compulsive disorder throughout most of his career and needed to take time off this season to get back to a healthy headspace.
“Periods of dark, obsessive thoughts have made it difficult to not just be an athlete, but also to be the husband and father that I need, and expect myself, to be,” Borowiecki wrote.
“It is my hope that I can speak publicly and encourage other athletes to get the help they may need, and to not feel like they are alone or unable to seek help.”
Borowiecki, an Ottawa native, broke into the NHL with the Senators and played 375 games with the team over nine seasons. He signed with the Predators last offseason.
In his post, the 31-year-old wrote that it can be difficult for athletes to be open and honest with their teams, but both organizations have been supportive.
“I felt vulnerable and sad. I want players in this league to know that both teams I have disclosed my struggles to have been incredibly helpful and kind,” he wrote. “The amount of compassion and kindness shown to me in both Nashville and Ottawa is something I will never forget.”
Borowiecki also suffered a concussion this season, battling through headaches and then dealing with bouts of dizziness and nausea. He said recovery took longer than expected, but he has been cleared.
In Ottawa, Borowiecki became known for his hard-nosed physical play and had a career-high 18 points in his final season with the team.
Off the ice, he became a pillar in the community, becoming an honorary captain of the Capital City Condors with his wife Tara. The Condors are a hockey team for those with cognitive and physical disabilities.
Borowiecki invited any athlete having a hard time who may need help to reach out to him.
“Know that there are always people who love you and want to help, no matter how dark things might seem.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
'I just want to be safe': Ukrainian man in Canada faces limbo amid consular freeze
A recent decision to restrict consular services for fighting-aged Ukrainian men has made a Ukrainian man in Canada feel less certain of his next steps — and worried he could be pulled back to the war.
Dozens of U.S. deaths reveal risks of injecting sedatives into people restrained by police
The practice of giving sedatives to people detained by police has spread quietly across the U.S. over the last 15 years, built on questionable science and backed by police-aligned experts, an investigation led by The Associated Press has found.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.