A Solutions-Focused Look at Athlete Mental Health
The Reasons to be Cheerful piece centers Robert Gallery’s recovery — including what he describes as “hundreds and hundreds of concussions” across his NFL career, the brain fog, tinnitus, mood swings, and suicidal ideation that followed retirement, and the brain scan that gave a name to what he was living with.
The Treatment Path
Robert discovered psychedelic-assisted therapy through a podcast featuring Marcus Capone, the Navy SEAL whose organization VETS facilitates treatment for veterans abroad. In 2021, Robert traveled to Mexico for a three-day program built around ibogaine — derived from a West African shrub — followed by 5-MeO-DMT.
“All this weight lifted off my shoulders.” — Robert Gallery, on the immediate aftermath of treatment
What the Science Says
A 2024 Stanford study found ibogaine “significantly reduced depression, anxiety and cognitive symptoms in veterans” with traumatic brain injuries. Researchers theorize that psychedelics increase neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to form new neural pathways.
Athletes for Care
In 2025, Robert co-founded Athletes for Care, modeled on VETS, to help athletes access treatment and to advocate for research. In its early months, the organization has facilitated therapy for approximately ten athletes. Recent federal action — including breakthrough therapy designation for certain psychedelics — is pushing the conversation about domestic access closer to reality.
Read the full Reasons to be Cheerful piece →
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