CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Former longtime Carolina Panthers player Steve Smith, Sr. is opening up about his battle with depression.

The wide receiver published a personal piece for NFL.com, where he is now an analyst.

Smith says he started going to counseling back in 2002 after visiting a sports psychologist, and continued treatment when he left the Carolinas to play for the Baltimore Ravens.

He says in part, "My advice to anyone suffering from mental health issues -- and specifically athletes who can relate -- is this: Ask for help. Stop trying to deal with these serious matters alone. You're not alone. Believe me.”

Smith played for Panthers for 14 seasons before signing on with the Baltimore Ravens in 2014, staying there until 2016 then retiring.

He also runs the Steve Smith Family Foundation, which was founded in 2013 and based in Charlotte. Smith and the foundation launched a Charlotte clinic, the Smith Family Wellness Center, in 2016. 

Read Smith's piece in full at NFL.com

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