"Historically a lot of shame and embarrassment" - Naomi Osaka makes her feelings known about mental health conversations

Naomi Osaka was recently announced as Maybelline New York's first-ever Brave Together global ambassador, which advocates for more conversations surrounding mental health. To mark the occasion, the four-time Major winner discussed the stigmas that prevent people from getting help.

Osaka has had her fair share of mental health struggles over the years. The former World No. 1 drew ire at the 2021 French Open when she decided to forego her media responsibilities to safeguard her mental well-being. Although she played only one match before withdrawing, her move has had a long-lasting impact on tennis.

Speaking to Harper's Bazaar, Naomi Osaka insisted that people are better off having less shame and embarrassment in opening up about their mental health struggles.

"That it’s okay to not be okay," Naomi Osaka said when asked about the advise that she would offer on the subject. "I think there’s historically been a lot of shame and embarrassment in these types of things, but there definitely shouldn’t be. We all go through challenges and it’s important to talk about it and help each other through."

The 27-year-old also emphasized that transparency was "key to changing the culture around mental health" while talking positively about the changing trends in such conversations over the years.

"I honestly believe that talking about it and just being more transparent is key to changing the culture around mental health," she added. "For so long it felt like it was a subject that wasn’t supposed to be talked about, but I think the more we talk about it, the more we realize how many people are struggling with it."

---

Naomi Osaka: 'I hope this initiative will provide an outlet for people struggling with mental health"

In Picture: Naomi Osaka at the Paris Olympic Games 2024

Naomi Osaka then heaped rich praise on Maybelline, asserting that their Brave Together initiative will give people more avenues to express their mental health struggles.

"Maybelline’s reach and influence are massive. I love what they’ve done in the beauty space and how they’re using their brand voice to make such a positive impact," Osaka said. "I hope this Brave Together initiative will provide an outlet for people who are struggling with mental health."

Osaka has enjoyed top-flight success, winning four Major titles and holding the World No. 1 ranking for 25 weeks. The Japanese star, who was on a maternity break between October 2022 and January 2024, has achieved respectable results since her comeback, having ended this year as No. 58 in the WTA singles rankings.