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
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
NEW Iconic Canadian song turns 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Oprah Winfrey: I set an unrealistic standard for dieting
Oprah Winfrey said on Thursday evening that she has long played a role in promoting unhealthy and unrealistic diets.
Prince Harry, Meghan arrive in Nigeria to champion the Invictus Games and meet with wounded soldiers
Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, arrived in Nigeria on Friday to champion the Invictus Games, which he founded to aid the rehabilitation of wounded and sick servicemembers and veterans, among them Nigerian soldiers fighting a 14-year war against Islamic extremists.
Countries struggle to draft 'pandemic treaty' to avoid mistakes made during COVID
After the coronavirus pandemic triggered once-unthinkable lockdowns, upended economies and killed millions, leaders at the World Health Organization and worldwide vowed to do better in the future. Years later, countries are still struggling to come up with an agreed-upon plan for how the world might respond to the next global outbreak.
Toronto police called to Drake's Bridle Path mansion for another alleged intruder on Thursday
Toronto police say a man who allegedly attempted to access Drake’s Bridle Path property was taken to hospital on Thursday after an altercation with security guards.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.