Dustin Poirier implores fighters to seek mental health aid when depression seeps in: ‘Take care of yourself’

Stubbornness is the basis of a great fighter. Elite combat sports athletes develop absurd levels of self-confidence to withstand the physical and emotional demands of fighting. But when mental fortitude is the foundation of success, the line between mental health and mental weakness becomes blurred. Dustin Poirier can attest to that.

“We feel like it’s a weakness to admit we’re going through something or to seek help because things don’t sound right in our ears. [a weakness]. It really isn’t,” Poirier told CBS Sports ahead of his UFC 302 main event against Islam Makhachev. “You need to take care of yourself. Being prepared to fight and do your best, mental space is part of that. It’s all connected. I went through a really bad period, where I was depressed and wasn’t feeling well at all.”

A knockout loss to Justin Gaethje in July 2023 plunged Poirier into darkness. It’s a feeling most fighters can relate to, but they’re reluctant to discuss. Last year, former UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski expressed feeling aimless between fights. Even an all-time great champion like Volkanovski seemed uncomfortable with the attention his vulnerability attracted.

Poirier prioritized his mental health during the seven-month gap between the loss to Gaethje and the win over Benoit Saint Denis. It was a decision spurred by one of the few things more important to him than fighting, and one that is of great importance during Mental Health Awareness Month.

“I have a wife and daughter looking at me at home,” Poirier said. “I need to be there and be strong for them. So you put things into perspective. I’m grateful to have talked to the people I talked to and to have good people around me at home who care about me and really helped me get out of trouble.” situation. that place.”

Poirier is in a healthier position heading into what is likely his last chance to become the UFC’s undisputed lightweight champion. But the work is far from over. “The Diamond” knows he will never be a finished product.

“It’s not like it’s fixed,” Poirier said. “It’s not like you turn a key and a lock and it clicks and that’s it. It’s work every day. I have to practice it every day. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. I’m still dealing with it. I work through it. every day.

“It happens at different times and in different scenarios. Different levels of stress bring it out. Doing the reps and getting myself back in the right place is something I practice every day.”

Check out the full interview with Dustin Poirier below.

Poirier will fight for the undisputed UFC lightweight title for the third time on Saturday. Poirier confessed that he doesn’t have it inside him to work in this position for the fourth time. In fact, he is considering retirement, win or lose at UFC 302. Poirier is among the greatest UFC fighters to never become undisputed champion. If that reputation holds up on Sunday morning, he’s ready to receive it.

“The main stage spotlights look the same, but my headspace feels different…” Poirier said. “I have to do it this time because I won’t get another chance. It’s now or never. But I’m in a good place mentally. I’m grateful and starting to be content with my career and my legacy.”