Herschel Walker: No shame in asking for help

  • Published
  • By Kendahl Johnson
  • Kirtland Public Affairs

No matter how mentally tough you may be, it’s always okay to ask for help when facing a challenge or dealing with a mental health issue.

That was Herschel Walker’s message to Team Kirtland audiences during a visit to the base Dec. 12-13. Walker came to the base to tell Airmen about his suffering and emphasize that there is no shame in asking for help.

“I don’t care how strong or great you are, there are some things you can’t do yourself,” Walker said.

Walker, who led the Georgia Bulldogs to a national championship in 1980, won the Heisman Trophy in 1982, played professional football for 15 years and was on two Olympic teams, among other things, said despite accomplishing everything he set out to do athletically, he struggled with a mental health issue that kept him from being the best he could be. 

He had an experience where he was angered by another’s actions and sought to kill that person. He said he knew what he was doing was stupid, but he couldn’t stop. He said a “Honk if you love Jesus” bumper sticker brought him from the brink, and he knew he had to ask for help.

Walker sought help from his pastor, who helped him find a good doctor. He was checked into a behavioral health hospital, where he was able to get the help he needed.  He was diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder, a condition where a person has the presence of one or more personalities that can have their own unique characteristics.

Walker said that whatever challenges or obstacles you face in life, you have within yourself the ability to overcome and conquer all. He said to never, ever give up.

“No matter how many times you get knocked down, no matter how many times you think you can go no more, you need to dig deep and pick yourself up," Walker said. “Never stay down. Never think you can’t get up.”

Walker ended his presentation by urging people to never put off asking help. He said we are never promised tomorrow and we should not be afraid to take care of our health while we can.

“I asked for assistance at a critical time in my life,” Walker said. “I know if I had not asked for help at that time, I may not be here today.”

Walker’s visit to the base was sponsored by the Patriot Support Program, which treats active duty military, veterans and their families for combat stress, post-traumatic stress, depression and other mental health issues. For more information on Patriot Support, visit patriotsupportprogram.com. 

On base, there are many agencies Airmen can turn to for help, including the Airman & Family Readiness Center, Military One Source and Mental Health.  For more information on these and other helping agencies, visit http://www.kirtland.af.mil/About-Us/Wingman-Plus