NEW YORK – November 10, 2026 -- Michael Phelps is sharing five mental health habits for men, drawn from his own decades-long journey, as Talkspace launches its "Rewriting the Rules" campaign.
The campaign is meant to help men name feelings they have long been taught to bury, unlearn harmful messaging about masculinity, and turn to therapy for help. Phelps, a longtime Talkspace ambassador, said he does not know where he would be without the strength to ask for help. In his words, "there's no greater strength than being vulnerable."
Phelps turns to golf, friends, the gym and the pool on heavy days
His first tip is to make time for what brings you joy. When motivation is low and thoughts turn negative, he reaches for golf, time with friends, the gym or a swim. He says small moments of joy add up.
Phelps says real strength means being honest about feelings
Male athletes are told to be tough, stoic and unshakeable, but Phelps calls that not human. In his view, everyone has feelings, and hiding them is not strength.
Phelps credits therapy with saving his life
He argues that asking for help should not be a last resort and that starting the conversation earlier is better. His fourth tip is to talk things out rather than shove them down. Bottling up emotions only adds weight, he says, while releasing them through therapy or by talking to a loved one lets you move forward.
The fifth is to be vulnerable with your circle and lead by example. Opening up gives others permission to do the same, which Phelps describes as one of the most direct ways to break the stigma.