You should be very proud; it takes a lot to speak about your truths. Addiction and mental health is often dismissed as nothing but its a silent killer even for friends and family. It's great you had the fantastic people around you that you have; keep being the inspiration you are.

i know someone who got in deep with gambling. he lost everything and so did his family; and then he took his own life. thank you for this. its always hard to remember but i hope it helps

It’s so beneficial when people talk about mental health. Especially when people with platforms share their mental health stories as it can help their followers. My husband was diagnosed with PTSD last year and I struggle with depression and anxiety…there is help out there. Thank you Nile for sharing

(First of all English isn't my mother tongue so please cope with me :) .) I did practice as a nurse in an addiction live-in center for a few years. The patients were young (mostly under 30) and with a rap sheet (sometimes a long one). All of them were needle users. And quite a few had been elite athletes a few years prior. They all told me the same thing: they were looking for the rush they felt on the ring (boxers), arena (hockey players), tatami (martial arts)... All of them injected cocaine and they were in a terrible shape because of the use (physically, mentally and so on). What I wanted to tell you is that you're brave enough to face the problem head on. You asked for help and you looked out for the people who could really help you. You saved your life and now you're not only here to speak about it, but you're thriving. Thank you for being you. And thank you for making me laugh every single time I watch one of you videos. You and your crazy bunch of friends are a riot. Love ya.

thank you Nile for being brave. Having human vices, just means you're human, not a bad person. Thanks for being you, and knowing how important "self-talk" is...you are worthy of all the success you have, and will have in the future.

Your bravery is inspirational. The fact you are so transparent and open about this is just so brave. I have PTSD, anxiety and really struggle with depression. This came more to fruition with injury after snapping tendons in my shoulder. I'm getting better every day, and following your story just helps. Thank You so much for all you do... and not just you, the squad too. Team Wilsonators! All the best for 2022 Nile. Thank You x

I watched you on tv when you was at the Olympics, commonwealth and also the European championships. You and the GB team got me hooked on watching gymnastics. I remember when you had that neck injury and then you was prepping for Tokyo and I could not believe your endurance and you should be and I know you are so proud of yourself. I am defos gonna get that book as it will be relatable in someway to anyone out there. You really do "Keep it real"

You just brought light to what addiction is, no shame. Thank you Nile.

Hi Nile, in 2017 i texted you how proud I was of you and how amazed I was from all the achievements you gained in gymnastics (and you answered lol). Today, in 2022, I can say that I'm even more proud of everything you have become. You really are a fighter: a true fighter has weaknesses and recognizes them because they are part of our lives, but also has the strenght to fight them and learn from them and get better. Keep smashing it Nile, wish you the best❤️

I love that you opened up about this. I work at a substance use rehabilitation facility and work with so many men and women that explain their drug and alcohol addictions the same way you described your gambling addiction. Just remember recovery is a long journey but it’s always possible, we love you Nile!❤️

You aren't alone, lots of us have addictions, not all like yours, but you are so inspiring, thanks.

I am a 25 year old retired professional ballet dancer, and our stories are unbelievably similar. Although the perfectionism, obsessive behaviour around training and complete addiction to being the best of the best is something that only people who has experienced this will TRULY understand. I have had SO much rubbish in my life, the way I thought was the reasoning why I put ballet first before everything, absolutely everything. If you want to talk, vent, or have a connection with someone who has experienced and lived this, send me a message.

A lot of my family deals with OCD and perfectionism. We are extremely hard on ourselves and I grew up being a "insert my last name here" you had to be the best, especially in sports. And my father's siblings were all competitive with their kids along with my father. It was very hard, a lot of my family struggle with opening up, getting/asking for help and addictions. I started counseling in middle school for my PTSD and ADD,I was born with severe asthma and had a bad asthma attack in 1st grade and almost died. Been through a lot medically, seen a lot with my family, been there in their dark times. Lost a lot of family when I was young. And just a lot of people I have been there for them at their darkest hardest times. People just started opening up to me around 6th/7th grade. Counseling is amazing and I really wish everyone would go. Your health is more than just physical but it's mental too,what you think etc... Along with spiritual health. I would not be where I am today if it was for the Lord. He's truly turned every bad thing in my life into a blessing, I've become a better person because of it all.

Thank you for speaking out, Nile. So important for us all, but especially guys, to see it's ok to speak out about these things. I will 100% be getting a copy of your book as soon as I can do, you're an inspiration and it took a lot of courage to make this vid x

Anyone suffering with addiction please know that you are not alone and recovery is possible. Please reach out and take that first step. Its worth it, trust me! Looking forward to reading your book Nile

Thanks for putting this out there. I have dealt with depression my whole life, and I've always felt alone (as one does when you're depressed) in what I'm dealing with. I've struggled to find ways to describe how it feels to those who care about me. Some of your descriptions in your documentary were eerily familiar; so much so I showed it to my wife. I know that mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but even so I have been reluctant to "come out," and I'm not comfortable talking about it. Work such as yours makes such struggles easier. Thanks.

I had the same issue but with food. Even after 2 heart attacks I didn’t want to get help. And you know in our sport especially as a female, coaches never detected it or spoke up. I finally ended up in a live in treatment facility and got help. That was the end of gymnastics. When I decided to retire from coaching I found it hard to be around alcohol and not end up sloshed. Especially when my mum passed away this year. I’m struggling and have no one anymore to talk to about this. I had to move from Cyprus back to the United States to take care of my dad and since my friends are in UK, Romania and Cyprus, not to mention that they are all still actively in the sport, I don’t have anyone who I can talk to about this. I love watching your vlogs and have been a fan since I met your parents in Montreal at Worlds but today you touched my heart on so many different levels and given me strength. Thank you for being completely honest and sharing. It’s hard sometimes when people expect certain things from you and you don’t want or feel like you have let them down, not being super human anymore but I think that what you’ve said makes you so much stronger than anyone. ❤

Gracias, gracias por tus palabras, mucho amor, discernimiento y sabiduria para ti.

You should be so proud of yourself for asking for help and now being so public and trying to help others. Those are huge steps in taking accountability for your addictions. We all have addictions but because they are not seen as bad people don’t get the help they need.

I truly want to thank you for being open about problems that many people have, but never dare to talk about. It is so important, and I really admire you for taking charge of your situation, getting help and sharing your story. Keep up the good work 🙂 Much love, cheering for you from Norway

Asking for help is so hard to do sometimes but it can save lives. Nile's so strong for being able to do that. I didn't have a gambling addiction but I was obsessively compulsively hurting myself. And I asked for help years ago my senior year of high school and and it's the reason that I'm here today almost 25 and I got big plans to keep on living. 17 year old me could never even imagine.

Thanks for sharing your story and sharing your love for gymnastics. I found your content within the last few weeks and have loved going through your channel as well as Ash and Luke. I've struggled with depression and types of addiction. So many people struggle with it and it helps so much to know there are people out there thriving despite their past.

Mental health is not easy to talk about with some people, especially in male's. It takes a person like yourself to let others know that putting your hand up and ask for HELP and knowning that there are professional's out there to help. Sending good vibes and love to you from New Zealand. Keep safe and healthy.

Thank you for bringing light to this… I’ve been there and it’s so embarrassing to admit. It makes me feel weak and few people understand how it could get out of hand. Like you it started small then it was all I could think about and I was lying and go to casinos. I even banned myself then 6 months later played under another person’s name. Just crazy. If you met me you would never guess this secret I held. I put my family in bankruptcy and I just wanted to die. It’s gotten better but I still am paying and struggling due to my actions and I hate it! It’s depressing. I’m just very appreciative that you spoke up and showed it’s something that doesn’t just happen to old men. You’re inspirational💪🏼👍🏻🥰

I bought your book a couple months ago. I got a package from Joanna Wilson. I thought it was a mistake. I don't know a Joanna Wilson. Then I realized. Lol I'm proud of you being able to speak out. I suffered from addiction as well. I know how hard it is to quit.

My brother is a former addict. He’s been clean for 25 years now. Addiction is a lifelong journey and being aware of your triggers. Great job handling yours!

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOK!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for doing a third run & for signing them too. I’m a BIG fan, as old as ur folks & wanted this for Xmas & my ‘BIG’ birthday earlier this month, but hubby couldn’t get it either time. I was GUTTED. SECRETLY HOPED for an Ash, Stoney & Jay copy 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼 But you’re doing a third print run. Thank you sooooo much Nile. Looking forward to receiving it. And huge respect to you for the outpouring of truth in this video. Using your platform for fun & uplifting vlogs (the angel) and also for sharing your truth (the devil) is REALLY important. It must be a huge mental juggling act, but your honesty shows that life is not just what’s on ‘The Highlight Reel’! Thank you! Stay awesome! Pamie x

Nile, it takes a lot of courage to realize you have a problem and to ask for help. I know how hard that was for you but I am so glad you did. I am very glad you are telling your story in the hopes in will someone. I know being open about it is very difficult. It can be therapeutic to write about your struggles and put it out there for anyone to read. I don't know you but I'm proud of you accomplishing all that. God bless you. P/S .... I enjoy your videos very much. I just recently came across them. (I'm from Southern CA)

I very much fear about addictive personalities. I used to play the same game over again as a child, I am always addicted to binge watching some new series and I have to do it there and then and finish it straight away or I get annoyed with myself. It’s scary how they can develop without you realising. You’re openness is 👏

Thank you for being raw, honest and open! Being vulnerable can be very therapeutic. You should be very proud of yourself!

I'm 71 Days sober and in treatment for addiction. Thank you for sharing.

Springtime 1981 was 19; My Uni had cut my program (men's team no 3 in the US) I blew my knee out vaulting, and rehabbed..then on the 4th of July I went to a club and someone gave me LSD...that started a 7 year spiral...I didn't think I'd live past 28...I somehow got cleaned up and moved to Paris...I dranik for another 11 years....23 years sober this coming Valentines Day!!!

Well done for talking so openly about your addictions. Having lived with a gambler I know the lengths they go to and the lies they tell. I'm so glad you've managed to get help and I really think it helps when you have the right people around you. I'm looking forward to reading your book having followed you through your career. Good luck with everything 😀

I love how honest you are, there are so many people out there who are going through or who have been through the same as you and won’t speak up. I have an addictive personality too, it can help us or hurt us! Surround yourself with the right people

Thank you for your openness. It’s hard to not hide. You’re helping athletes and many others speaking up, explaining connections, identifying patterns of behavior that can help someone recognize their having problems, and saying you needed and asked for help.

Mental health issues are a killer in most of it's forms...the worst part is that most addictions are either an escape from what you feel you cannot deal with (whether or not you do or do not speak about them openly), OR it is an attempt to escape from pain. It is a VERY personal battle, but usually it is nearly impossible to get better without help. It is ok to not be ok, it is also ok to ask for help.

I was finally able to get your book ! I’ve watched so many of your videos that when I’m reading your book I hear it in your voice.

It takes a while to know when we are not alright with addiction and mental health, and the fact that although we go through good bits and bad bits, the underlying stuff doesn't go away. Well done Nile.

Thank you so much about being so open about addiction and mental health. I can relate so much. Just different sport and different addiction in my case. It's so important to say stop and get help!

For me, it's good that this happened now you are still young and able to do what you want and you have not a family that depends on you. Sometimes we learn by making mistakes! Nobody is always at the top!

You are blessed to have a great support team who will help you with the addictions you have been dealing with. I keep hearing more and more athletes coming clean about the abusive behavior that they deal with and how it affects every part of their life. It’s no wonder so many have eating disorders. I have been wanting to purchase your book, but didn’t think you would ship to the US. Thrilled to find out that you do, so I ordered my copy. It would be great to have an ebook option. Keeping you in my prayers.

This is why I love your videos so much. Your physical strength and strength of character is an inspiration.

So brave of you to speak out Nile. I first got diagnosed with mental health when I was 11 years old and now I’m 30, it’s been 2 thirds of my life battling against these inner demons. It’s a hard battle which most of the time people expect men in particular to remain silent because it’s taken out of context and made to be stereotypical. But those who speak out, like you are now, are helping break that boundary.

There’s a common connection between being an athlete, particularly at the elite level, and gambling - chasing a win, it’s an adrenaline rush, without as Nile said, physical repercussions. Many athletes do have addictive personalities, and the same goes for someone who works in a high speed career, like a start up, stock trading, entertainment, etc. Your body and your mind crave the win, crave the adrenaline. That feeling can be transferred from your sport or career or harmless interests to things like gambling, drug use, drinking etc, especially if you are a retired athlete or making major life changes. You seek the next win, the next high, the next adrenaline rush, particularly if no longer at a competitive level, because you don’t have that physical and mental outlet anymore for the addictive energy.

You should be so proud of how far you have come qnd what you have overcome to get to where you are now. You have an amazing support network around you and are a massive inspiration to alot of people. Always remember mental health is a journey never a destination. Never let it define you. If I have learnt anything in my journey its that mental health isn't what or who I am ots something I have. Continue smashing it, you and the squad are amazing xx

Thank you for sharing your truths. Keep pushing through. Much ❤️ from the USA🇺🇸

The guilt and not feeling like you can tell others is so hard to overcome, to get past that and admit you had a problem and to share that and accept help is amazing.

spent a long time reading all of not only Nile and his story but also others pain and different addictions.which made me think about mine. thank you Nile.

I've followed you for a few years and I always find motivation from what you share! Much love!

Literally just about to purchase your book as you inspire me to do what I want to do love you Nile xxx

Anyone that publicly bares their soul is incredibly brave. Want the book but want it on Audible. Any plans to do this ?

Perfect timing. Today is #BellLetsTalk day in Canada. Everytime that hashtag is used on any form of social media, Bell (telecommunications company) donates 5 cents towards mental health initiatives.

Nile you are an absolute inspiration even to this 39yr old mom from the US. I have always struggled with food addiction. About 7-8yrs ago, I lost a lot of weight and kept it off for about a year. Then life started getting really messy. 3yrs ago I separated from my ex husband and I am now a single mom for the 2nd time in my life. As much as I wanted to take care of myself, I didn't. I let everything go and I gained back all the weight plus a good 75lbs on top. I felt so ashamed and disappointed in myself and hated the way I look. I am finally starting to get my mental health in check because I know losing weight and getting physically fit well not happen until I do. I have lost about 30lbs and am being much more consistent with healthy eating. Adding consistent exercise in some form is next. I just want to tell you that you and the whole squad inspire me so much. I am a pretty big introvert and like to stay home, but I have been thinking a lot lately that I really want to meet some people to be in my life to support me and to support each other like you all do with each other. I wish I could meet you all when you come to the US, but I am on the East coast. Keep doing what you are doing and know that what you do definitely helps people! Much love ❤️

Totally understand, Nile. I was a pro dancer for 20-odd years and when I stopped because of arthritis I needed to fill the void it left which came in the form of alcohol, sex and spending money to get a short-lived high. I don't think we ever lose the demon, but with help we can learn to control it, and other - positive - things take priority. Certainly with a strong team of friends and family around you, as soon as you make that first step towards conquering it, they're behind you and will support you. Ask for help, it's bloody hard admitting to yourself, nevermind the shame you feel admitting it to those close around you. But it's worth it. Thanks for that, Nile - and I love your book, all the best young man, Px

Thank you for sharing Nile. I have a bit of the same issue, so some understanding. Ordered the books. Looking forward to reading them.

my hero my heartthrob no matter what you have done you are still my sunshine in my life. you have given me courage to speak out against bullying and keep me carrying on you are still my hero and i am here for you 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

A lot of what you’ve described in addition to a lot of what you’ve shown on both your channels sounds a lot like adhd. Addiction, depression and other mental health issues are extremely common. Our don’t make enough dopamine and the area of our brains that regulates impulse control doesn’t work right as a result. So our brains are always on like a super computer with 50 tabs running at the same so we seek out things that elicit a high dopamine/adrenaline response to close down 49 of those tabs.

Thank you for NOT making this clickbait. Thank you for sharing a real and deep truth.

Just bought this book on Kindle. It was on sale so thank you for the sale

Nile, you are not charging enough for a signed copy. I am glad you are posting again.

Thank you for sharing the addictions. this shows that you can have a addiction of any kind, and being a addictive personality of any kind and it is hard to handle I am extremally proud of you. Nile Wilson .

Ok Dear One. Thank you for your honesty and openness. I am very proud of you. Its not easy being forthcoming. My advice. Do not do the tanning please. I have had 3 different skin cancers because of them sun tan beds, booths etc. They were supposed to be safe. The skin cancer on my nose was aggressive and ate to the cartilage in 3 weeks. Protect your skin. Also tattoos are addicting too. I have one myself and 5 more planned. Addiction can transfer into other things before we know it. Be mindful, keep a journal to help you be mindful. Read back what you wrote every 6 months or a yr etc. You see things. Like how much you grown, healed, or patterns you might want to fix. Love and Best wishes beautiful. PS Go to Sandy Living Gratefulness and try her meditation. Start with the Basic. Its relaxing, and she helps you stay grounded.

Big respect Nile. Keep on talking about it. Don't stop.

Much respect, Nile.

This was a very serious side of you I don’t often see and it was very refreshing. You’re so well spoken and articulate. I’ve never experienced anything like this but in your words I really feel like I somewhat understand the disease that is gambling especially in relation to high performing athletes. Thanks for sharing your story Nile

Omg I just want to come through the screen and give you a massive cwtch! ( Welsh hug) I’m so glad you got the help you needed and re brave enough to talk about it openly! Well done mate ❤

It's so easy to think someone you know has it all but you never know what's going on in their mind or behind closed doors. If you're worried about someone don't be afraid to ask them what's going on. They may just be waiting to be asked!!

I think this is going to be a great help for me. I just ordered the book now and seeing this video couldn't have come at a better time 🙏

This was really eye opening to hear, because many years ago, one of my brother's friends was a gymnast too, and while my brother and his other friends were constantly partying and drinking and whatnot, his gymnast friend always abstained. When he developed a VERY serious gambling problem we were all so surprised, but hearing you explain it, it makes perfect sense. I really appreciate your sharing and educating me today and I pray your message will help so many others. ❤

I love the whole story, I appreciate the funny bit at the end but I really want to see how Brown you actually turned out

First video i've watched on your channel. Massive respect for sharing.

Such an important message to share. Thank you for your vulnerability. I am confident it will help so many feel less alone ❤️

It's incredibly easy for me to develop an addiction to things; I realised when I was in my early twenties that I have an addictive personality - like you it was little things like watching the same movies, gaming, music... then I developed a cough, took medicine for it, cough went, still wanted to keep taking the medicine - that was when I realised. I've found that once I acknowledged I could easily get addicted to, well, anything, I had some form of control over it and I can now stop addictions before they start. But I still have one, it started when I was a young teenager, I quit it for about 6 years, but then I started again. I've noticed patterns, when I'm down, lonely, bored, they're my triggers but I'm working on it. I quit before and I can do it again. The hardest thing is wanting to quit though, particularly when the addiction takes me to my happy place, away from it all but I just got to keep reminding myself of the guilt and sadness I feel at the end - I remind myself of that and I keep "sober". Well done Nile :)

You are inspirational, man. My heart goes out, but thank you.

God bless you for sharing this, Its great to have friends that stand with you.

Nile, thank you for sharing your story. You're such a genuine person, very brave and you are an inspiration. Stay true to yourself and be proud of what you've achieved. 👏😘

big love and respect ✊

We support u bro 💗 Your doing great 💕

I have dealt with a lot of bankrupts in a professional capacity and i can tell you that Gambling and booze come up time and again. Gambling is an absolute poison to people with addictive personalities.

I’ve just paused the video. To buy your book. I’m soooo buzzzing!!!! Can’t wait till it arrives. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

mate, don't use sunbeds...they're no good for nobody...no matter what clever marketing they chuck at you. Trust me, if you want Vit D, just have Vit D3 supplements...you don't want to have to go though what I have done as a result of (what I can only assume to be) the effects of the UK sun alone on my body while growing up in the 80s/90s. I got it on my lower back...in a place I always keep covered with at least a minimum of a t-shirt and, often, a backpack with factor 50 being the minimum strength cream I'd ever consider. Also, when the temps get hot, I'm often the first to be heading for the shade and a beer. My only thought is that I've done the damage when my folks didn't use suncream on me as a baby (it was the 80s after all) but then also didn't provide me with any when going to Athletic meets whereupon we'd often be sat trackside in the blazing sun for hours on end with very little shade. Melanoma is no joke...even if you come out the other side, there's still no way for them to say that they've definitely gotten rid of it. I'm a member of at least one Melanoma UK support group and the amount of YOUNG ladies there are turning up on there with stories involving the use of sunbeds/tanning booths just isn't funny Your skin also looks like the sort to burn easy. The sun will do you well enough if you respect it...serious youth, just steer clear of sunbeds.

Thank you for sharing your story. It takes a lot of courage to ask for help and admit that there is a problem. I’m glad that you were brave enough to ask for help and were able to pull yourself back up with the support of your family. Stay strong Nile. Know that if you need to voice out some of your struggles, your fans will be here to listen and support you. Your past does not define you, but has helped shape the person your are today which is a great one! I love watching all of your content from both of your channels, and can’t wait to see what the next video brings🤩

Admitting we f'd up and growing a pair is the best giant leap forward.. much respect to you 💖🍑

Thank you for sharing your struggles Nile. Watching your videos and all of the squads videos have been helping me through a very serious mental health struggle. I appreciate you all. 🤗

For anyone in the UK. If you need help you can self refer to talking therapies. They will assess what help you need and cater it to you. I know as I've just had my assessment

Yes brother, can relate! I actually had fell off the other the week but got back on track. As always inspirational guy!

Huge respect for the truth in this video I've went through a similar thing with drinking and gambling spiraled and I still sometimes go for a football but don't play blackjack and I limit myself on bets

So proud of ur accomplishments! I wanna snuggle with and just hold you and cry 😢 Love you 😍 bud

I'm 15 and I really want to do gymnastics but I can't for three reasons. 1: I can't exercise because my asthma is too bad and I can't really breathe so I'm kinda overweight (205 lbs) 2: I'm in band and I realized how scared I get in front of people and if I get too scared to play in a group, I almost definitely couldn't do anything by myself with others watching 3: I'm scared of heights and I'd probably fall I just want to say how brave Nile is because he talks about his addiction which I definitely can't do, he always keeps trying whenever he falls, and he's able to be in front of a large group of people and do amazing things. I wish I could do all of those things

Good luck with the book. I am sure it is good. You got some big arm muscles bro. Keep lifting bro!

I’m sure this will inspire many people 💖

Thank you for speaking on mental health. Love you Nile!

I'm a Taekwondo athlete, and the competitive environment becomes unhealthy, it stops being about "being the best", and it becomes about who is the weakest and who is the strongest, you can't afford to be weak one because then the coaches, the sports psychologists themselves, the sponsors, will start attacking you in every possible way, physically, financially and psychologically, it's hard to make friends when we're all focused on running faster, kicking harder and higher, scoring more points, winning more fights, then we forget the people, and they turn us into "win, win, win" machines, programmed to compete in everything, and that doesn't just stay in sport, they bury it so much inside of us and our personalities that, just as Nile said, we start to look for an escape from that toxic environment that we know is hurting us but we can't help it, so we go and do the only thing we know how to do, compete, and we realize that you can compete anywhere, casinos, bars, clubs, some of us win and lose in casinos, but the worst thing is when you get to the point where you realize you don't need anyone else to compete with, you can compete with yourself, drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana or consuming anything, you fall into hell then, because now it's a matter of drinking more than you did yesterday, and so on, but as long as you bring medals, smile for the press and get an Olympic pass that you probably won't even use, your human condition doesn't matter. I'm still looking for help, I just pray it is not too late.

I’ve bought your book!!👍👍👏👏👏👏🤯🤯😱😱🙈🙉🙊WOW!! Go get it!

Thank you for speaking out and sharing your story Nile you're an inspiration to us all ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

i've fallowed you for many year now and i just wanna say that you are a big inspiration to me and i'm so proud of you!

Bought the book in December before Christmas. Still waiting for it to arrive and can’t wait to read it ❤️

Love you!! I just finished your book, it was so touching and inspiring!

Thanks you Nile. Thank you for open your heart with all of us and personally I will be for ever thanksfull with you because even when you didn’t know because of you I take the change to star my journey with the acrobatic world and ending been an elite athlete and taking care of my mental health as well as my physical health 🙏❤️ you’re an angel for a lot of people and as a big fan of you all I want to say is thanks you and always Be Smart and Keep it Real !!

Brave, bearing your soul to the world not easy to do.