Malika Andrews opens up on mental health struggles and her upbringing
Many NBA fans may know Malika Andrews for her work as a reporter covering the biggest stories in basketball. Andrews joined ESPN in 2018; however, it was her work during the infamous NBA bubble that saw her earn widespread attention from NBA fans. What many fans never knew until now is that — like so many others — Andrews has struggled with mental health.
In a recent tell-all with People magazine, she revealed that her struggles with mental health go back to adolescence. As a kid, Malika Andrews dealt with depression, anxiety and eating disorders that began to spiral out of control.
As she explained, at the age of 12 she developed an eating disorder, with her family then seeking help for depression. Things continued to spiral in 2009, with Andrews coming clean to her mom about having thoughts of self-harm. In response, her family sought help from professionals.
Over the next three years, Malika Andrews went through several different treatment programs to address what she calls “a shape-shifting monster.”
“[It’s a] shape-shifting monster. We talk about depression and recovery as a ‘before and after,’ something you overcome. My experience is it’s something you contend with every single day.”
“Depression, anxiety, eating disorders, anger — they are shapeshifters that can grip and control you, and just when you feel like you have a handle on one piece, another juts out to slice into your progress.”
How Malika Andrews found purpose in journalism and horseback riding
The program put her through a survival course that included 11 weeks in the desert. Despite the experience, her problems persisted. She then went to another treatment center in Utah for several years with strict rules and regulations.
Despite her hardships while pursuing treatment, Malika Andrews found joy in horse riding lessons. She explained to People that through her newfound hobby, she grew fond of a horse named Dante:
“I started working with him and I fell in love. Suddenly I had something to pour joy into.”
Then, in 2012 after returning home to her family at age 18, Andrews began studying journalism at the University of Portland. Although she had to continue to fight mental health struggles along the way, her work as a journalism student gave her structure and purpose.
“Writing and sharing other people’s stories is something I found a lot of purpose in when I went to college,” she said.
Now, Andrews is in a much better place, and although she explained that depression isn’t something that goes away entirely, she has continued to triumph in her battle with her family by her side.
News
SUITE SURPRISE Bachelorette fans think Jenn Tran slipped up and revealed ‘secret fling’ with Pete Davidson after Devin’s Fantasy Suite
Plus, Bachelorette fans rage over yet another schedule change ahead of the finale BACHELORETTE fans have been convinced Jenn Tran and Pete Davidson had a secret fling after Monday’s Fantasy Suite episode. During the show, Jenn and finalist Devin, a…
DEEP WOUND Mariah Carey admitted it was ‘safer’ to have no contact with her brother and sister before Alison’s tragic death
Alison Carey, 63, died on the same day as Mariah’s mother Patricia, 87, the singer confirmed MARIAH Carey reflected on her complicated relationships with her siblings years before sister Alison Carey’s tragic death. On Monday, Mariah, 55, announced that her mother Patricia Carey,…
MARIAH’S PAIN From being offered cocaine & ‘pimped out’ by sister aged 12 to sick arson attacks – Mariah Carey’s traumatic family life
The star hit rock bottom in 2001, saying she was ‘broken down by the very people who were supposed to keep me whole’ WHEN Mariah Carey’s mom and sister both died this weekend the pop legend had to be careful…
MOVING ON Ben Affleck looks happier than ever during fast food run after he was spotted with Kick Kennedy following split from JLo
BEN Affleck has been spotted showing off his smile during an outing after his divorce from Jennifer Lopez. The actor stopped for fast food in Beverly Hills, California, on Saturday. 6 Ben Affleck smiling ear to ear while ordering fast…
SUPER BUMP Nicki Minaj shares pregnancy photos in new Gag City Reloaded album announcement leaving fans confused
And why some fans weren’t too thrilled to see Nicki posing with her husband NICKI Minaj has been promoting the upcoming release of her Pink Friday 2: Gag City Reloaded deluxe album with a mix of current and former pregnancy photos. The…
IT’S A WASH Channing Tatum slammed for his ‘disgusting’ and ‘wasteful’ laundry habit in failed ‘attempt to seem relatable’
Fans recently expressed concern for Channing after he shared several bizarre selfies online CHANNING Tatum has been slammed for his wasteful laundry habit in what critics have called a failed attempt to seem relatable. The Don’t Blink star opened up…
End of content
No more pages to load