Bryce Cotton, the American guard for the Adelaide 36ers and six-time National Basketball League (NBL) Most Valuable Player, has publicly shared his long-standing battle with anxiety. The 34-year-old revealed that he has been dealing with severe anxiety since he was 17, a challenge that remained largely private until a significant episode during a home game early last season.

In a round seven match against the Illawarra Hawks, Cotton experienced what he described as his first severe anxiety attack in front of approximately 10,000 spectators. Initially, commentators and fans speculated that he was suffering from an injury, while the team's official statement cited nausea and an upset stomach as reasons for his visible distress and tears during the game. Cotton later clarified that the tears were a combination of physical illness and overwhelming personal issues linked to his anxiety.

Despite feeling physically and emotionally unwell, Cotton continued to play for 36 minutes, recording an impressive 31 points and 13 assists, helping the 36ers to a 97-85 victory. Reflecting on the moment, he described the mental turmoil of an anxiety attack, explaining the sensation of struggling to breathe and battling a sense of imminent doom while still focusing on the close scoreline and his commitment to the team.

Cotton credits his resilience to the lessons instilled by his mother and grandmother, who taught him to confront adversity head-on and persevere regardless of circumstances. Adelaide teammate Flynn Cameron noted the impact of Cotton’s vulnerability, recalling a poignant moment in the third quarter when assistant coach Kerry Williams prayed with Cotton to help calm his nerves, emphasizing the team's supportive environment beyond basketball.

Acknowledging his previous lack of awareness about his condition, Cotton said anxiety was not commonly discussed when he was younger, and it took years for him to understand and manage it. Today, he relies on faith and close relationships to cope and has sought to use his platform to encourage others struggling with mental health issues to seek help, emphasizing that no single approach works for everyone.

Cotton expressed a desire to inspire others not through grand gestures but by simply being authentic. His openness has been praised by teammates who believe his disclosure of vulnerability helps to humanize athletes and shines a light on the mental health challenges faced by many, regardless of their public success.