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Shericka Jackson opens up on mental health struggles and depression

Jackson has admitted to being ‘depressed’ growing up as she did not experience much love growing up.

Jamaican sprint sensation Shericka Jackson has opened up on her dark past as she spoke about her mental health experiences that took all of her admirers and the track world by surprise.

Jackson expressed how her childhood was typically not normal, admitting she did not witness much love while growing up, which has made it difficult for her to express her love.

Speaking in the trailer of an upcoming exclusive interview with Track Spice, she admitted she was “depressed” on several occasions while growing up which led to her aggressive behavior as a coping mechanism.

 “I was struggling mentally. I was depressed. I never grew up in a lot of love,” Jackson said.

“I am very aggressive but still protective. A Lot of people do not understand me.”

Jackson has admitted that forging a relationship with God has helped her to be happier.

“Having a relationship with God, it helps me to be happier.”

It is not the first time Jackson has openly revealed how her faith has helped her overcome mental challenges like stress.

Recently, she revealed a list of ways in which she handles stress when a fan asked her ‘How do you manage stress?’ during her Instagram Q&A (question and answer) session. 

“So many ways but I keep God in the center of it all. Pray a lot, BAWL a lot, I also go to therapy so that helps me a lot. I document how I feel most days so when I'm under a little stress I know what to do. Plus my friends are my free therapy” Shericka Jackson wrote along with a red heart emoji.

Despite all these, she did not fail to achieve massive milestones on and off the track. Her recent accolade from her alma mater is a testament to that.

The Jamaican sprinting sensation concluded her 2023 season with a token of respect from the University of Technology in Jamaica.

The 29-year-old was conferred with an honorary doctorate from the university. The 200m World Champion was praised in front of all her admirers who roared in cheers after she received her prize at the podium.

She has found a close-knit circle of friends that also includes Noah Lyles’ girlfriend Junelle Bromfield. Garnered with all their love Shericka Jackson is achieving volumes, getting past her dark days. 

posted Wednesday December 6th
by Mark Kinyanjui