Russian television presenter and former individual rhythmic gymnast Liasan Utiasheva has revealed that she experienced a severe period of depression following her retirement from professional sports in 2002 and 2003.
The former athlete said she spent time sitting at home and eating to cope with stress, but did not understand she was suffering from a recognised mental health disorder until much later.
Utiasheva shared her experience during an episode of the cooking and interview programme Derzkaya Gotovka, which is broadcast on the Russian video streaming platform VK Video.
Discussing the period immediately after her sports career ended, Utiasheva stated that she was entirely unaware of specific psychological diagnoses at the time. She explained that she simply felt as though she was in a deep hole, with a strong desire to shut herself away and do absolutely nothing.
Utiasheva is one of Russia's most prominent media personalities and television hosts. Before entering the entertainment industry, she was a highly decorated rhythmic gymnast who represented the national team and won numerous international titles. Her retirement in the early 2000s concluded a career defined by intense physical training and elite competition. The transition to civilian life is a widely recognised psychological hurdle for professional athletes, who often struggle with the sudden loss of routine and identity.
Derzkaya Gotovka is an online programme where prominent guests prepare meals while discussing their personal and professional lives. The show is distributed through VK Video, a major domestic video hosting service operated by the Russian technology conglomerate VK.
Mental Health Discussions
Utiasheva is not the only media figure to discuss these issues publicly. The source report noted that prominent Russian journalist Sasha Sulim previously disclosed her own reliance on psychological medication.
Sulim stated that she currently takes prescription antidepressants. The journalist noted that the medication assists her in coping more easily with the heavy and complex personal stories shared by the subjects of her interviews. Sulim is widely known for her extensive investigative reporting and longform video interviews, which frequently focus on true crime and traumatic historical events.
