John Wall details mental health struggles following mother’s death in 2019

John Wall isn’t afraid to share his darkest moments if it provides a spark of light for others. During a recent appearance on “The OGs Podcast” with former NBA players Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller, Wall opened up about the hardships he faced during his mother’s passing.

“Mental health is serious. I had go to a therapist after [my mom died],” Wall said. “If it wasn’t for my two boys… I put a gun to my head twice, and a lot of people that’s close to me and my friends at the time didn’t know.”

Wall hasn’t had it easy. In early 2019, the former Kentucky standout underwent surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon. While rehabbing from his injury, his mother and grandmother died a year apart from each other, all amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, the suicide and crisis lifeline is available 24/7 by dialing 988.

Wall explained on the podcast what prevented him from taking his own life.

“Man, if I take myself away from this Earth, I’m failing my kids,” the former Washington Wizards guard said. “I know I gotta be there for them… At that time, I was in a dark space trying to find happiness. So for me it was going out, partying, having fun. Just trying to find something to get me some peace and it wasn’t the right way.

“I still talk to a therapist to this day. If you ever feel like you’re in a spot where you’re not comfortable, as a Black man, African-American, or any race… Go get help, it’s okay. There’s nothing wrong with it. I had to figure that out or I wouldn’t be here today.”

John Wall has a history of success

While Wall isn’t currently in the NBA, his résumé is expansive. The Washington Wizards selected Wall with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. From 2014-18, Wall was named an NBA All-Star. Further, he was named an All-Pro in 2017.

Wall spent his first nine seasons in the NBA with the Wizards before serving short stints with the Houston Rockets and, most recently, the Los Angeles Clippers. Before ever stepping foot in the NBA, Wall was a star.

In his lone season at UK, Wall helped head coach John Calipari foster in a new era of Kentucky Basketball. Wall averaged 16.6 points, 6.5 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game in his debut campaign with the ‘Cats. On September 22, 2017, Wall was inducted into the University of Kentucky Athletics Hall of Fame.