Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott spoke out and shared details about his personal struggle with mental health over lunch in Dallas on Tuesday.
Prescott, who was the keynote speaker in a conversation with NBC 5’s Laura Harris at Metrocare Services’ Meal for the Minds luncheon, shared personal stories and insights about her struggles with mental health, what mental health has meant to her family and what he is doing. right now to keep mental health top of mind for people in all walks of life.
steve foxhall Metrocare Services Dak Prescott Luncheon
“It sounds cliché, but really I always try to find strength in adversity,” Prescott told a room of about 300 people Tuesday in the event’s first return to in-person events since the pandemic began. “It was so important for me to be here today just to share with all of you. Dealing with my own battles, short-term battles with depression and anxiety. So losing my brother [Jace] suicide Today would have been my brother’s 34th birthday.”
Prescott said he has been working through his Foundation Faith, Struggle, Finish to release the stigma that comes with mental health and rather shine a light on where help is available. He is currently working to make that aid even more accessible through a new legislative push.
“Time is sensitive. When people need help with their mental health, they need it now. We are doing everything we can. I know that the Faith, Fight, Finish Foundation has partnered with others and is pushing legislation with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to create a three-digit helpline, like 911, but this would be 988. On the Other Side of the phone would be trained professionals to help you or if you know someone who needs help,” Prescott said.
steve foxhall Metrocare Services Dak Prescott Luncheon
She said she hopes people see their vulnerability when it comes to mental health and understand that a little empathy for others and what they may be going through can go a long way.
“Me being vulnerable, genuine and transparent is great for my platform. As much as I talk about it, it’s also like a therapy session for me. Just being able to do that and feel good, and feel good and whole and know who I am, is amazing. I want to inspire and share and maybe even save someone’s life. I’m always blessed to be able to do other things at the same time,” Prescott said.
Prescott’s frank conversation was at the forefront as MetroCare celebrates 55 years on the front lines of working to provide quality, accessible mental health and developmental disabilities services to adults and children in Dallas County.
According to Dr. John Burruss, CEO of Metrocare Services, it’s all about getting the word out early and often. Especially when it comes to communities of color.
“Dak is really important to this mission because we’re seeing a startling increase in suicide of Black men and Black boys,” Burruss said. “I’m talking about 12, 15 and 17 year olds, and that has increased more than any other group in the last 10 years. So getting the story out of a face that isn’t always telling that story. Having someone who can make that powerful statement is important,” Burruss said.
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