We are bombarded several times per day with new information regarding treatment for all types of disease. Physicians are learning constantly as well, Usually through emails: webinars, educational events, advertisements , protocols and trials. What we very rarely see in any of this information (other than covid-19) is an actual new disease entity. This week however, we have all become aware, thru a darling, brave champion, of previously unknown and rarely diagnosed entity: the “twisties”. Very real, very dangerous and hard to treat or cure.
When beloved and bold Simone Biles used the word “twisties” to describe her sensation of being lost in space during her gymnastics quest for gold, it gave us all pause. It wasn’t the “Yurchenko double pike vault or the “Biles II (double backflip, triple twist) or several other moves she has invented. It was a simple almost cute name that now others can use, to describe a bigger challenge. While there is great concern regarding the physical danger of the sport, what came to light this week is the mental pressure. Her story is profound and inspiring. Simone’s physical strength, beauty, fitness, agility and creativity were no match to overcome insult to the mind. She was disarming in her admission. No ego or pride, just pure inspiration.
Many, perhaps even children, will now be more free to express their own battles, inspired by this amazing Olympian’s generous confession of her truth. Now that I think about it…. this is not so new. It is not infrequent that I personally witness someone with “twisties”, who may not be flying in air, but perhaps harder, managing a life with cancer. All the meditation, exercise, counseling and support cannot correct brain dysfunction in everyone. Many would do well with a trial of medication and close followup.
You may never find yourself in mid-air experiencing loss of proprioception and at high risk for dangerous injury. But there are times we can be off balance and face challenges that threaten to rob us of our personal successes. Had Simone gone on to win every competition and have golden medallions a plenty, we would be inspired and young gymnasts everywhere would have a role model for life. She will always be an Olympic champion, but this week, she moved to impact every person who never did a triple, double on the floor. Her big voice in the petite, powerful body brought the world to breathless attention.
Mental health is not someone else’s issue or just for those facing challenges. It directly impacts each of us daily. This year we have all faced an alternate universe and found our own “metal.” What Simone did by this very public statement is shine a light not on weakness, but how your mind directly enhances your greatness. She has contributed to worldwide health and wellness as no global award could. Take her example for yourself and loved ones. Seek care quickly. The “twisties” hide in all of us but can be overcome- maybe not on the 4″ beam as she did, but by taking back control and asking for help.
Too often we wait until the chest pain brings us to a cardiologist, the bleeding or lump to an oncologist. Just because companies direct market, doesn’t mean you should diagnose or treat yourself. Make the call and get assessed; you may get a clean bill of health, but at least you checked. Mental health is the last screening we, even physicians, think about but it should move to the top of our minds- everything in life starts there. Thank you Simone for reminding us that mental health also takes herculean effort.