After suffering an on-court panic attack in 2017, NBA star Kevin Love has made it his mission to dismantle the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.
Can you talk about the mission and goals of the Kevin Love Fund and how it came to be?
The mission of the foundation really stems from my personal experiences with mental health. After I opened up about my own struggles with anxiety and depression, I saw how many people — especially young men — felt the same way but were either too scared or too ashamed to talk about it. I realized that I could use my platform to help break down those barriers and start the conversation about mental wellness.
The Kevin Love Fund was created to inspire people to live their healthiest lives while prioritizing their mental well-being. We focus on normalizing discussions around mental health, making it easier for people to ask for help, and providing resources for emotional and physical well-being. Our goal is to create spaces where people feel safe talking about their mental health without stigma.
About three years ago, the Kevin Love Fund’s team of educators and scientific advisors developed a free, evidence-based, social-emotional learning curriculum, mainly for middle and high school students, where we focus on modeling vulnerability in the classroom, alongside creative activities. Overall, we want to make sure people are prioritizing their mental health just as they would their physical health.
Is there a particular moment you can recall when you realized you needed help with your mental health?
Absolutely. The moment that really stands out was during a game in 2017 when I was with the Cleveland Cavaliers. We were playing the Atlanta Hawks, and out of nowhere, I felt like I couldn’t breathe. My heart was racing, and I thought I might be having a heart attack. I ended up leaving the game and heading to the hospital, only to find out that I’d had a panic attack.
At the time, I didn’t know what had just happened to me, but I knew something wasn’t right. I still tried to brush it off because, as athletes, we’re taught to be tough and power through things. It wasn’t until a few months later, when I had time to really reflect, that I realized this wasn’t just about that one game or one moment. I had been dealing with anxiety and stress for years but had never acknowledged it.
That panic attack was the wake-up call that made me realize I needed help. It was the first time I allowed myself to be vulnerable and recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health. That’s when I started seeing a therapist and doing the real work to take care of my mental well-being. That experience ultimately led me to open up publicly about my struggles in hopes of helping others realize they’re not alone.
What changes would you like to see in how men’s mental health is viewed and discussed?
One of the biggest changes I’d like to see is the dismantling of the stigma around men expressing vulnerability. There’s still this old-school idea that men need to be “tough” and “strong” at all times, and that showing emotion is a sign of weakness. That mentality has been deeply ingrained in sports, and in society in general, for far too long. We need to redefine what strength really means because, in my experience, there’s nothing stronger than being able to acknowledge when you’re struggling and asking for help.
We also need to teach younger generations, especially boys, that it’s OK to feel a wide range of emotions and that mental health should be prioritized. Whether through school programs, sports teams, or just at home, we need to create spaces where boys and men are encouraged to express their feelings without fear of judgment.
I’d also like to see better access to mental health resources, especially in communities where it’s still a taboo subject. The more we talk about it, the more we can push for systemic changes, like making therapy more accessible and integrating mental health support into schools and workplaces. The goal is for mental healthcare to be as normalized and accessible as physical healthcare. That’s the shift I’d love to see.
What are the biggest obstacles men face in accessing mental health resources, and how can we overcome them?
Stigma. There’s still a deep-rooted cultural expectation for men to “tough it out” and not show any sign of vulnerability. That mindset creates an environment where many men feel ashamed or embarrassed to admit they’re struggling. Even when they know they need help, there’s this fear of being judged or seen as weak. That stigma is a huge barrier.
Another obstacle is the lack of education and awareness around mental health, especially for men. A lot of guys don’t even realize they’re dealing with mental health issues because they’ve never been taught to recognize the signs. We often think of mental health issues as extremes — like having a breakdown or something more visible — but it’s not always that clear. Men might dismiss chronic stress, anger, or burnout as “just part of life” without realizing those are signs that they could benefit from support.
Access to resources is also a big hurdle. Depending on where you live, mental healthcare can be expensive or hard to find, especially in underserved communities. Even if men are willing to seek help, they may not have access to affordable therapy or support systems, or they might not know where to start. There’s a gap in making mental healthcare accessible, whether it’s financially or geographically.
To overcome these obstacles, we need to continue breaking down the stigma by having more open conversations about men’s mental health — whether that’s in the media, in sports, or just in everyday life. The more role models, athletes, and public figures who speak out, the more we normalize seeking help. Education is key, too. If we can start teaching mental health awareness from a young age, we can help boys grow into men who aren’t afraid to take care of their mental well-being. That’s why the Kevin Love Fund puts such a huge emphasis on our free mental health curriculum — so that we can start these discussions at the middle school level.
On a structural level, we need to make mental health resources more accessible. That means pushing for better healthcare policies that include mental health coverage, making therapy more affordable, and increasing the availability of resources in schools and workplaces, like the Kevin Love Fund’s SEL curriculum. We also need to meet people where they are, whether that’s through digital therapy, community support programs, or peer networks that help men feel comfortable opening up in a way that works for them.
What advice would you give to someone who is struggling with their mental health?
You’re not alone. It can feel isolating, like you’re the only one going through it, but that’s far from the truth. There are so many people out there, myself included, who have faced similar challenges. It’s okay to admit that you’re not okay — that’s the first step.
Reach out for help, whether it’s to a friend, family member, therapist, or someone you trust. Talking to someone can make a huge difference, even if it’s just to let them know what you’re going through. It doesn’t have to be all at once, but opening up, even a little, can start to lighten the load.
Therapy was a game-changer for me, and I know it’s not always easy or accessible for everyone, but if you can, I highly recommend seeking professional help. There are also support groups and online resources available that can offer guidance.
Also, be patient with yourself. Mental health isn’t something you can fix overnight. It’s a process, and there will be ups and downs along the way. Give yourself the grace to take things one step at a time. Small actions — whether it’s journaling, exercising, meditating, or just taking a break when you need it — can add up and make a big impact on how you feel.
