Featured Image Credit: YouTube/Joey Swoll/Facebook/Joey Swoll
Topics: Drugs, Health, Social Media, Joey Swoll
Olivia Burke
Topics: Drugs, Health, Social Media, Joey Swoll
The self-proclaimed 'CEO of gym positivity' Joey Swoll is a bloke who always has a smile on his face, even when he's recording a scathing video knocking so-called fitness influencers down a peg or two.
He uses his huge followings on social media platforms for good - usually discouraging 'toxic gym culture' - as well speaking out against bullying and trolling.
But behind that, the bodybuilder has faced a tough battle with his own personal demons.
Back in 2020, Swoll shared an extremely vulnerable post on Facebook showing his soaking wet bed sheets.
He explained that he had been dealing with withdrawal symptoms and wanted to be honest about what the reality of the situation looked like.
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The fitness coach revealed that had got hooked on painkillers and opioids as he faced business and personal relationship struggles during Covid, saying that it had been 'the worst year of his life' and that he 'had never been more depressed'.
Sharing a picture of his bed covered in sweat, Swoll wrote: "This is what withdrawal looks like, insomnia while laying in a pool of sweat yet freezing and shaking horribly in pain wishing and praying it simply would just end. Minutes are like hours. Hours like days.
"I’ve never battled anything harder. I lost everything that mattered most to me."
He suggested that a lot of people presume social media stars 'have such amazing lives and never struggle', adding: "I’m always taking care of others, making them happy, yet always feeling unloved and worthless.
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"This year I needed someone to talk to, for once to be there for me at my lowest, but I had NO ONE. I reached out to people I thought were loyal and like family only to be ignored and hear excuses why they’re too busy."
He described being addicted to pain killer as feeling 'like I was in prison and NEVER getting out'.
He went on to say that he almost took his life twice 'because I just didn’t want to live anymore' but that his mother 'saved him' after he heard her 'cry to me on the phone knowing something was wrong'.
He added that he wasn't posting this for 'sympathy or pity' and that he was 'responsible and accountable', concluding: "Being lonely and depressed is so hard to beat. I know many of you out there are fighting the same battle and in the same prison as I was and I want you to know YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
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"Be strong."
Fans praised him for his bravery after sharing the post, with one saying it 'broke my heart to read'.
"I have a ton of experience with addiction and am and have always been here for you. Whenever you need a sympathetic ear, I’m here." they added.
Another wrote: "You’re not alone either. We all have our struggles man."
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A third added: "I can relate. Thank you for your honesty."
A fourth commented: "Respect for that, remember you are not alone, we have your back and there will always be a person to lend an ear in times of need, like you will be for countless others because that my friend is who you are."
A fifth chimed in to say if 'anyone unfollows you', they are 'selfish and has lost themselves', adding: "COMPLETE RESPECT to you for overcoming that. Such an inspiration no exaggeration keep going man!!"
In March 2022, Swoll shared another post on Instagram proudly declaring he was 'clean, happy, feeling amazing' and 'cherishing every single day he wakes up'.
Keep up the good work, Swoll.