Oubre reveals struggle with anxiety, depression: 'I've suffered through a lot'

NBA players continue to expand the conversation on mental health.

Toronto Raptors shooting guard DeMar DeRozan got the ball rolling recently when he revealed he's been coping with depression, and Cleveland Cavaliers center Kevin Love followed by detailing his experiences of panic and anxiety.

Washington Wizards small forward Kelly Oubre Jr. can relate, and opened up about his own struggles with anxiety and depression.

"A lot of people are coming out with things about mental health. I feel as if, yeah, man, I've suffered through a lot of things in my life. I've been through a lot of things," he told NBC Sports' "Wizards Tipoff" podcast.

"I can definitely relate to it all ... I'm really good at keeping a poker face because when I was growing up my dad always told me, 'Don't let anybody see you weak.' Nobody sees that I'm weak, but deep down inside, I am going through a lot. Hell is turning over."

Oubre, whose family was displaced by Hurricane Katrina, started thinking more about his own challenges after the aforementioned All-Stars shared their stories, which hit close to home for the 22-year-old.

"That s--- is serious," he said. "I just go into a quiet place and breathe, man. Just being mindful is the only way I know how to get through any anxiety, any depression or anything like that."

Related - Love: I respect and love DeRozan for opening dialogue on mental health

The third-year wing explained that in his quest to be a great player, he has high expectations for himself and experiences "overwhelming" internal turmoil when he falls short. He echoed the sentiments of DeRozan and Love, saying NBA players are normal human beings who go through the same problems as everyone else - except they receive much more attention, and more scrutiny.

When times get tough, Oubre leans on his father, Kelly Oubre Sr.

"It's just that peace of mind, that mental stability he gives me just by seeing him. He doesn't even have to say anything. I just see him," the former first-round pick said.

"I feel like we've been through it all. This little piece of adversity, it's not going to hurt me. I will be able to get through it. He's definitely like a crutch that I use to stand on in this life, man."