Jerry West admits lifelong depression
Hall of Famer Jerry West admitted that he has battled depression since childhood.
West detailed that his abusive father would beat him with a belt, which would lead to low self-esteem.
“I would go to bed feeling like I didn’t even want to live,” West said on HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.”"I’ve been so low sometimes and when everyone else would be so high because I didn’t like myself.”
West admitted that his depression never took hold of him while he was on the basketball court, although he would go through tough stretches after the Los Angeles Lakers’ six NBA Finals losses to the Boston Celtics.
After a Hall of Fame playing career with the Lakers, West briefly coached the team before becoming its general manager. He was the architect of both the Lakers’ dynasty of the 1980s and the team that won three straight titles from 2000-02.
After going through therapy, West opted to treat his depression by himself and claims to be fine.
The former basketball star’s book, “West by West: My Charmed, Tormented Life” will hit stores Wednesday.
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