Montreal Canadiens Patrik Laine opens up regarding his mental health problems in an effort to help others

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Tyler Ball
August 29, 2024 (8:36 PM)

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Patrik Laine has been in the news a lot recently after being traded to the Montreal Canadiens and today he opened up about his struggles with mental health.

The past year has been a struggle for new Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine. After a difficult start to the season with the Columbus Blue Jackets Patrik Laine entered the NHL's Player Assistance Program to handle his mental health.

After going into the NHL's Player Assistance Program in January Patrik Laine did not play the rest of the season. During the offseason he was cleared to return to play but then was given permission to seek a trade. Eventually he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens.

Now just a few weeks later Patrik Laine has spoken out about his mental health battle for the first time. In doing so he is promoting a good cause and a way to help others.

Patrik Laine opens up about his mental health

In a new video on Instagram Patrik Laine spoke about his recent mental health battle. He first spoke about building up the bravery to seek help from others and let them know he was not okay.

I think one of the best [pieces of] advice ever given to me was to be brave enough to ask for help. Personally, I struggle with that a lot. There's a lot of shame, a lot of being too proud to reach out and ask for help,» he said. Always for me, it felt like I was complaining, but people, they want to listen, they want to help.

Now Patrik Laine is learning to be able to get past that shame and pride and ask for help. One of the ways he says things have helped him most is talking with close friends and especially his therapist

I've learned that talking is the best medicine for that, whether it's to your friends, to a professional,» he explained. For me, it's been my therapist it's been a lifesaver - going through the emotions over and over again, even though it's not too much fun to talk about.

Patrik Laine's openness comes with a purpose now as well. He and his fiancée Jordan Leigh have started their own program called From Us To You to help others dealing with their mental health and to promote seeking help.

We are so excited to finally be able to share what we have been working on. This project is close to our hearts, and we hope that by creating From Us to You, we can open up a safe space for discussion, support, resources, and growth together

Now with the NHL Player Assistance Program behind him, Patrik Laine will embark on a new chapter with the Montreal Canadiens. At his best Patrik Laine is a 40-goal scorer who can reach near a point per game. If he comes back focused and healthy both physically and mentally the Montreal Canadiens could get a gamechanger in their lineup.