You probably knew John Brenkus. The guy behind the 6-time Emmy Award-winning “Sport Science,” the show that broke down athletic feats with cutting-edge tech and made science cool for sports fans. He was an innovator, an entertainer, an educator. But behind the successful public persona, Brenkus was fighting a private battle with depression, a battle he tragically lost on May 31, 2025, at the age of 54. His passing has left the sports world and beyond in shock, but it also shines a crucial spotlight on the complexities of mental health, especially when it intersects with high achievement.
Brenkus had been open about his mental health struggles. In a 2023 interview, he shared that he fell into a very deep depression and was suicidal after the seemingly successful business exit of selling “Sport Science” to ESPN. It’s a stark reminder that external success doesn’t always translate to internal peace. He even credited his dog, Zeppelin, with saving his life during one suicidal crisis, an intervention that prompted him to call his mom and say, “There’s something wrong with me. I am mentally lost.” He went through a significant battle, seeing multiple psychologists and psychiatrists before finding a path that helped.
The irony of his death following a period of professional triumph and his previous openness makes this loss even more poignant. His family, in their statement, requested privacy but also bravely encouraged anyone struggling with depression to seek help. This is huge. For a family to speak out, amidst their grief, and champion mental health awareness is a powerful act that helps chip away at the shame and guilt that so often silence these conversations.
The Unspoken Struggle in High-Performance Worlds
So, why is it that in high-performance circles like entertainment, sports, and even high-pressure corporate environments, depression often goes unacknowledged or is heavily stigmatized? It’s a bit of a paradox. These fields often demand an image of strength, resilience, and unwavering confidence. The grind culture and the pressure to always be “on” can make it incredibly difficult to admit vulnerability. There’s a fear that showing any sign of weakness, like struggling with depression, could derail a career or damage a carefully crafted public image. This pressure isn’t just felt by celebrities; many Gen Z and Millennials report feeling immense pressure to succeed and maintain a perfect facade, often fueled by social media comparisons.
“Sport Science” host John Brenkus courageously discussed his mental health struggles, leaving a legacy of advocacy and hope despite taking his life.
Understanding Depression: It’s More Than Just Sadness
Depression, clinically often referred to as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), isn’t just feeling blue or having a bad week. It’s a persistent mood disorder characterized by a pervasive feeling of sadness, emptiness, or an irritable mood, coupled with physical (somatic) and mental (cognitive) changes that significantly mess with your ability to function. Think of it like a heavy blanket you can’t shake off, affecting everything.
Top Symptoms – The Real Talk Version for Gen Z & Millennials:
- The “Meh” Vibe to Everything: Losing interest or pleasure in stuff you used to love – hobbies, hanging out, even sex. Nothing feels fun anymore.
- Constantly Drained Battery: Feeling tired all the time, like your energy levels are permanently stuck on low, no matter how much you sleep.
- Brain Fog Overload: Trouble concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things. It’s like your brain is wading through sludge.
- Sleep is a Mess: Either you can’t sleep (insomnia), or you’re sleeping way too much and still feel exhausted.
- Appetite Gone Wild (or MIA): Significant weight loss when you’re not dieting, or weight gain from eating more or less than usual.
- Feeling Worthless or Super Guilty: Harshly criticizing yourself for flaws or mistakes, or feeling guilty about things that aren’t even your fault.
- Grumpy & Irritable AF: Little things set you off, or you just have a super short fuse.
- Restless or Slowed Down: Either feeling antsy and unable to sit still, or like everything you do is in slow motion.
- Unexplained Aches & Pains: Sometimes depression shows up physically as headaches, stomach issues, or other random pains that don’t have a clear medical cause.
- Thoughts of Not Wanting to Be Around: Thinking about death or suicide. This is a serious sign and needs immediate attention.
To be diagnosed with MDD, you’d typically need to experience at least five of these symptoms, including a depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure, for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks.
When It’s More Than a Phase: Getting Help
If these symptoms sound familiar and are significantly impacting your life – your school, your job, your relationships, your ability to just be – it’s time to reach out. It’s not about being “weak”; it’s about recognizing you’re dealing with a legitimate health condition.
Why Therapy is a Game-Changer:
Talking to a professional helps, period. Therapists provide a safe, non-judgmental space to understand what you’re going through. They can help you:
- Identify negative thought patterns and learn how to challenge and change them.
- Develop coping skills to manage symptoms and stress.
- Understand potential triggers and learn how to navigate them.
- Improve communication and relationship skills.
- Process difficult emotions and experiences.
Top Therapies That Actually Work for Depression:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is a big one. CBT helps you identify unhelpful or negative thinking patterns and behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. It’s about changing how you think to change how you feel.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): IPT focuses on your relationships and social interactions. It helps you improve communication skills and address relationship problems that might be contributing to or worsening your depression.
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): This combines CBT techniques with mindfulness practices like meditation. It helps you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings without judging them, which can be super helpful in preventing relapse.
- Behavioral Activation (BA): Sometimes considered part of CBT, this focuses on helping you gradually increase your engagement in enjoyable or meaningful activities, which can counteract the withdrawal and lack of motivation common in depression.
Often, a combination of therapy and medication (like antidepressants) is the most effective approach, especially for moderate to severe depression.
The Stigma is Real, But We’re Changing That
Let’s be honest, there’s still a stigma around asking for help with mental health. People worry about being judged, seen as broken, or that it might affect their job or relationships. Research shows many people feel embarrassed or believe others will react negatively if they seek professional help. This stigma can make people reluctant to reach out and can delay or prevent them from getting the treatment they need.
The Myth of Success as a Cure-All:
John Brenkus’s story is a powerful illustration of why the success myth – the idea that achieving external goals like fame, money, or career milestones will automatically solve all personal problems, including mental health issues – is so dangerous. You can have it all on paper and still be deeply unhappy or struggling internally. As Kevin Breel, a comedian who struggles with depression, put it, “What people don’t understand is that succeeding at all of those things outside of yourself can’t fix the things that are wrong inside.” Mental health is complex and influenced by many factors beyond external achievements.
An Inflection Point: Turning Grief into Action
The fact that John Brenkus’s family specifically asked the public to speak about mental health and awareness is a significant moment. It’s an invitation to shift the narrative from shame to support, from silence to conversation. This isn’t just another celebrity tragedy; it’s a call to action, particularly for Gen Z and Millennials, who are already more open to discussing mental health but still face significant pressures.
How You Can Help Someone Who’s Hurting:
- Start the Conversation: If you’re worried about someone, ask them how they’re doing. Phrases like, “I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed yourself lately, and I’m concerned. How are you feeling?” can open the door.
- Listen Without Judgment: Just listen. Don’t try to “fix” them or offer unsolicited advice right away. Validate their feelings – “That sounds really tough” or “I hear you.”
- Encourage Professional Help: Gently suggest they talk to a doctor or therapist. Offer to help them find resources or even go with them to an appointment if they’re up for it.
- Offer Practical Support: Sometimes small things make a big difference, like helping with errands, cooking a meal, or just being there to hang out, even if it’s in silence.
- Know Your Resources: Be aware of mental health services in your community or online resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
- Take Care of Yourself Too: Supporting someone with depression can be emotionally taxing. Make sure you have your own support system.
What to Expect from Treatment: Time & Transformation
Healing isn’t instant. With antidepressants, some people start to feel a bit better within a few weeks, but it can take two to three months to feel the full effects. Therapy also takes time. Significant improvements might be seen after 10-15 sessions for some, but for others, especially with more chronic or severe depression, it can be a longer journey. Treatment isn’t always a straight line; there will be good days and bad days. The goal is to find a sustainable way to manage symptoms, improve your quality of life, and get back to feeling more like yourself. Continuing treatment even when you feel better is often recommended to prevent relapse.
The Takeaway: Brenkus’s Legacy & Our Path Forward
John Brenkus’s incredible career with “Sport Science” changed how we view sports. His death, and his family’s courageous response, can help change how we view and address mental health. His story painfully illustrates that depression doesn’t care about Emmys or successful business ventures. It’s an illness that can affect anyone, regardless of their outward success or how strong they seem.
The silence and stigma around depression, especially in high-achieving environments, need to be shattered. Recognizing the true, evidence-based signs of depression is crucial for early intervention. Effective treatments like CBT, IPT, and MBCT, often combined with medication, offer real hope and pathways to managing this condition. The myth that success inoculates against mental health struggles is just that – a myth. Brenkus’s family has opened a door for more honest conversations. It’s up to us, especially Gen Z and Millennials who are leading the charge in destigmatizing mental illness, to walk through it. We can do this by supporting those who are struggling, advocating for better mental health resources, and continuing to share our own stories. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and recovery is possible.
By Jace A.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or having thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at any time. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7.
