Naomi Osaka was recently announced as the first global ambassador for Maybelline New York’s Brave Together, advocating for more conversations about mental health. To mark the occasion, the four-time Major winner spoke about the stigmas that prevent people from getting help.
Osaka has had her fair share of mental health issues over the years. The former World No. 1 sparked anger at the 2021 French Open when she decided to step down from her media responsibilities to safeguard her mental well-being. Although he only played one match before retiring, his move has had a lasting impact on tennis.
Speaking to Harper’s Bazaar, Naomi Osaka insisted that it is better for people to be less ashamed when talking about their mental health problems.
“That it’s okay to not be okay,” Naomi Osaka said when asked what advice she would offer on the topic. “I think historically there’s been a lot of shame and embarrassment around these types of things, but there definitely shouldn’t be. We all go through challenges and it’s important to talk about it and help each other.”
The 27-year-old also emphasized that transparency was “key to changing the culture around mental health,” while also speaking positively about the changing trends in these types of conversations over the years.
“Honestly, I think talking about it and just being more transparent is key to changing the culture around mental health,” she added. “For a long time it seemed like it was a topic that shouldn’t be talked about, but I think the more we talk about it, the more we realize how many people are struggling with it.”
Naomi Osaka: “I hope this initiative provides an outlet for people struggling with mental health”
Naomi Osaka then praised Maybelline, stating that its Brave Together initiative will give people more avenues to express their mental health issues.
“Maybelline’s reach and influence is enormous. I love what they’ve done in the beauty space and how they use their brand voice to make such a positive impact,” Osaka said. “I hope this Brave Together initiative provides an outlet for people struggling with mental health.”
Osaka has enjoyed success in the top flight, winning four major titles and holding the world number one spot for 25 weeks. The Japanese star, who was on maternity leave between October 2022 and January 2024, has achieved respectable results since her return, having finished 58th in the WTA singles rankings this year.
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Edited by Pratham K Sharma.