SLU basketball’s Terrence Hargrove Jr. found happiness after battling depression

The St. Louis senior is a big deal for the Billikens, and no one comes close.

Recently, however, Hargrove has endured life challenges that have led to depression and exacerbation, as school, family, and other issues have left him with little enthusiasm for basketball and, at times, an unwillingness to leave his apartment.

hargrove Listed On Monday, he hinted at his troubles in a Twitter post, declaring that he had regained his happiness. But the dark side of his fight was much deeper, he revealed before practice.

“I was in a moment where I didn’t care. At that point, I wanted to throw in the towel, but I couldn’t — it was over, like suicide.” I was often alone in my room.That’s what scares me.So I hate being alone sometimes.Those things I didn’t share with many people.”

Hargrove shared her thoughts with her parents, but now wants to speak up to help others who may have similar problems.

He lost 15 pounds after returning from SLU’s European tour in late August.

Hargrove’s recovery process included lengthy discussions and Bible readings with his parents and teammates Lamont Evans IV and Cynthia Parker.

“I realized all the progress I had made with my happiness, so I made a Twitter post,” he said. I can see you shining.”

Mental health has been a commonly discussed issue in college athletics, with even greater emphasis during the peak of COVID-19. The NCAA Transformation Commission issued a report last week making improving support for the mental, physical and academic health of athletes one of its top recommendations.

Hargrove never missed a practice or game, but his mind wasn’t clear about distractions.

“It kept me awake at night, and I wasn’t getting the right sleep or the right food,” he said. “I would stay up all night and be devastated by practices and games. Sometimes I didn’t want to play games. Sometimes I didn’t want to leave my room, but I had to. It wasn’t me, and I wanted to get out of there.”

Hargrove said he has added muscle while still dropping his weight to 210 pounds. For some time he was unable to compete at a high level.

“Javon[Pickett]was stronger than me, so I couldn’t really match him, but I didn’t mind,” he said.

Hargrove said his situation is not uncommon among college athletes.

“Everyone has their own issues that they may have at the moment,” Collins said. “You really don’t know what it is.”

Hargrove tried to camouflage his depression by maintaining a happy demeanor on the floor. And I appreciate the long stories and motivation from his mom and dad.

He said the slow process of “winning every day” led to change and helped him get to this point. When he woke up on Monday it was another step in his recovery.

“I felt good,” he said. “Went to weight training and had a great session. I am happy to have it.”

The university offers counseling to students. To reach the SLU Counseling Center, call 314-977-8255 (TALK) or visit the clinic on the second floor of Wuller Hall at 3711 West Pine Mall.

Additionally, 988 is the national three-digit number for mental health crisis and suicide prevention services.