Much like a physical disease, mental illness also has its symptoms, and can be diagnosed by professionals. However, knowing about the problem is one thing; but addressing it the right way is an altogether different matter. The NBA is in no different a place.
According to an anonymous GM, this is exactly where the problem lies. Speaking to Jackie MacMullan of ESPN, the unnamed front office official claims that players who are diagnosed with some form of mental disorder often times refuse to take the prescribed medication.
“These guys you read about who tear up their hotel rooms?” the GM says. “That’s often guys who are off their meds. So now, in addition to everything else we’ve got to worry about, we have to make sure our power forward is filling his prescription every week.”
This is not uncommon among those diagnosed with mental health issues. The numerous side effects of prescription drugs are often too heavy to handle for most, as they end up discontinuing treatment.
The problem is, when its an NBA player that falls into this trap, his actions are magnified. This is why, as our source explained, it is necessary for teams to monitor the mental health of their players — especially those who have been diagnosed with some type of condition.
This is not only beneficial to the team and the harmony within the organization, but more importantly, it is for the benefit of the players themselves. As employers, teams have a responsibility to their players, their well-being, and that of their families. This, above all, is the most important aspect of this business.
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