Cover photo courtesy of Uriah Hall and Natalie Compton.
Childhood bullying victim Uriah Hall (14-9) now advocates for anti-bullying and mental health as he hopes to continue his winning streak against Antonio Carlos Junior (10-3, 1 NC) this Saturday at UFC Fight Night: Cerrone vs Gaethje live on ESPN+.
A post shared by Uriah Hall (@uriahhall) on Mar 11, 2017 at 7:33pm PST
In an open letter on The Cauldron, Hall states, “I was so desperate, so despondent, and felt so totally alone, I actually took steps to end my own life. That’s how bad the bullying was.”
A common attempt among victims of bullying, suicide is often seen as a way out from the struggles and harassment from which one must deal. Mental disorders, hopelessness, and a history of abuse or trauma are only a few of the known risk factors for attempted suicide. Unfortunately, this ideology can go from harming oneself to possibly harming others, an issue we see daily in this country. However, Uriah Hall found the outlet he desperately needed as he wrote of his own experiences, from The Cauldron.
“As I faced my lowest moments, the one thing that kept me from doing something bad – to myself or someone else – was the strong pull toward martial arts that I have felt since I was a little boy”, Hall wrote.
A post shared by Uriah Hall (@uriahhall) on Jan 24, 2019 at 8:06am PST
According to The Suicide Prevention Lifeline, providing support services, open dialogue and following up with loved ones are a few ways to help those who may feel similarly. Hall was fortunate enough to find the services he needed in martial arts, writing “karate not only changed his life but saved it.”
Uriah Hall went on to explain, “I took to martial arts immediately, quickly earning a black belt and winning numerous tournaments. Fast forward 15 years, and here I am in the UFC.”
And Hall has made quite the impact since his arrival. Beginning with arguably the greatest knockout in the history of the Ultimate Fighter, he is now an established contender in the middleweight division and uses his platform to openly speak on causes dear to him. After his win against Bevon Lewis at UFC 232, as quoted by USA Today, Hall began advocating for his sister who suffers from depression.
"I wasn't fighting for me tonight. I was fighting for my sister."@UriahHallMMA with an emotional Octagon speech. #UFC232 pic.twitter.com/Vuwjd0Fzrl — UFC (@ufc) December 30, 2018
Hall said, “I’m actually fighting for my sister. She’s battling depression and this has been a really rough time for her. She’s such an incredible human being and I know depression is something that’s going on in the world right now. I just want to let you know I love you and this world will not be the same without you.”
An emotional Hall holds back further tears as he struggles with the suffering of those closest to him. Knowing the lowest points humans can reach and relating his own struggles to hers, he now continues forward to surpass new limits and further advocate for those with similar battles. Don’t be surprised if he manages to say a few words on behalf of those for who he now fights as Hall looks to continue his winning streak against Antonio Carlos Junior this Saturday.
Closing his open letter, Hall encourages those who are suffering, “If you find yourself with no other options when it comes to being bullied, give me a shout. I’m pretty sure no one will mess with you if they know I’ve got your back.”
If you've lost someone to suicide, you're not alone. The Lifeline is available 24/7 if you need someone to talk to. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or visit 👇 https://t.co/MhpjzqVusH #BeThe1To #NSPW19 #SPM19 — The Lifeline (@800273TALK) September 12, 2019
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