Troy Johnston discovers his “why” 

Troy Johnston, drafted by the Miami Marlins in 2019, has not only excelled as a first baseman but has also embarked on a journey that pushed him to explore the profound connection between mental health and his performance on the field. Johnston's journey through baseball is not just about athletic skill; it's deeply rooted in understanding his "why."

Johnston's understanding of the connection between his performance on the field and his mental well-being crystallized during a challenging period while playing for High-A Beloit in 2021. Despite initial success, he faced financial strain, relationship difficulties, and untreated anxiety, which caused sleepless nights and panic attacks. Reflecting on this demanding time, Johnston shares, "I realized that all of that stemmed from how my mental health was."

In a society where seeking help for mental health issues can carry stigma, especially among male athletes, Johnston's choice to seek support marked a crucial turning point.

"I do want to tell anybody out there that if you think that you need help, do not hesitate to go and get it,” Johnston said. “The longer you let it fester, the worse it's going to get—that was kind of the breaking point for me."

Reflecting on his time at Gonzaga University, Johnston acknowledges similar challenges exacerbated by a season-ending injury.

"I was out essentially my whole sophomore year," said Johnston. "And I thought I'm done playing baseball like it's the end. And it's hard because you never really know when the end is.”

During this period, Johnston admits he faced significant mental health challenges that went unrecognized.

"I think for a long time I was going undiagnosed, especially at a young age," he said. "Because at that point, it's like, oh, you're not being tough, you know, you get through it, you'll be alright, you know, to keep doing what you're doing."

He emphasizes the pivotal role of reaching a breaking point in seeking help:

"I think everybody has to have a breaking point. It's not just something that you just kind of roll into. But once you have that breaking point, that's where you're like, I need help."

Transitioning to professional baseball with the Marlins provided Johnston access to resources that reshaped his mental outlook.

"I got access to somebody that I didn't really have to pay for, and I didn't have to go to a therapist," said Johnston. "I think that was very, very helpful for me because it was provided by my employer. And that's when I really started to take off mentally and really have a strong mental outlook on the game and everything that's going on."

Central to Johnston's resilience has been the steadfast support of his wife.

"The first person that told me to go get help more than anything else was my wife and I thank her every day for it," Johnston said. "She's been my rock and she's been the person that's just been there for me through thick and thin. She helps me out every time that I'm feeling a certain way, or when I feel like everything's weighing on my shoulders. She reminds me, 'Hey, go talk to somebody, go do your breathing exercises, go around, go do something else, focus on what you have done in the past that's been successful.' She's been a huge proponent for me."

Central to Troy Johnston's approach to maintaining mental well-being are structured breathing techniques that help manage stress and anxiety.

"The first one is the box drill, where you breathe in for four seconds through your nose, hold for four, exhale for four through your mouth, and repeat. It's for when I feel stress or pressure building up. I also use a quick inhale through the nose to boost oxygen to my brain, helping me focus before critical moments."

Johnston finds grounding in visual cues like his bat's label, noting, "I look at my bat to center myself before stepping onto the field." These practices play a crucial role in preparing him mentally for baseball challenges.

Seeking help for his mental health has not only enhanced Johnston's performance on the field but also enriched his personal life.

"I think it's made me a better person in the fact that I can see things not as a selfish manner but that I can see how other people are reacting to me."

He recognizes that constant anxiety and self-focus can hinder his ability to be a good teammate and person. Johnston believes that improving his mental health has made him more aware of his impact on others, fostering positive interactions and relationships both on and off the field.

In essence, Troy Johnston's journey through baseball embodies a profound understanding of the interconnectedness between mental health and athletic performance. Despite facing significant challenges, Johnston's commitment to understanding his "why" — his deeper purpose beyond the game — has been pivotal in maintaining his mental well-being.

"I like baseball. I really do," said Johnston. "But I'm not somebody that needs to be enthralled in it 24/7. I need something outside of the game to focus on." This introspection has not only enhanced his performance but has also allowed him to cultivate empathy and positive relationships in his personal life. As we continue to understand more and more about mental health in our modern society, Johnston's journey serves as a testament to the importance of prioritizing mental health in achieving both athletic success and personal fulfillment.