Victor Hedman: A Beacon of Support for Linus Ullmark’s Mental Health Journey
In a candid conversation with TSN, Swedish NHL goaltender Linus Ullmark bravely shared his struggles with mental health that sidelined him for an extended period. While he sought professional help for his issues, it was the unwavering support from fellow player Victor Hedman that provided additional solace during these trying times.
Ullmark recounted the moment he finally reached out to Hedman, revealing, “I hesitated to call him at first. I thought about how he has a family with two kids and his own responsibilities. But he encouraged me to reach out. Gathering the courage to do so felt strange, yet it was exactly what I needed. He really helped me sort through my thoughts and emotions. The support I received from him instilled a deeper respect for him,” he shared with TSN.
Though Hedman and Ullmark have never shared an NHL team, they both hail from the Västernorrland region of Sweden and have connections through Modo, representing the team at various youth levels over the years.
Hedman expressed admiration for Ullmark’s willingness to discuss such a sensitive subject. “It’s something you don’t wish on anyone, but it’s more common than you might think,” he remarked during an interview with Expressen at the Olympics.
His understanding is rooted in experience. As a champion in the NHL, Hedman serves as an ambassador for the Well Solo organization in the United States, which aims to shed light on mental health issues and provide support for those facing similar challenges.
“This topic remains a taboo, particularly in sports and among men. We often shy away from discussing our feelings,” Hedman conveyed. “But I believe it’s vital to embrace vulnerability. The mental aspect is paramount—for if you’re mentally well, everything else falls into place,” he emphasized.
Ullmark made his return just before the Olympic break, donning Ottawa’s jersey, though he unfortunately won’t participate in the Olympic Games. Contrastingly, Hedman is set to commence his Olympic journey with Team Tre Kronor on Wednesday in a match against Italy.