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Olympic medalists Michael Phelps and Allison Schmitt added new recognition under their names. This time, they were honored for taking part in the advocacy for mental health issues. Read on for more details.

Michael Phelps, Allison Schmitt Receives Awards For Mental Health Awareness

Washington Examiner reported that both Olympic winners attend the event for National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day. Secretary Tom Price of the Health and Human Services awarded the two for their exemplary advocacy works beyond their sports careers. Phelps and Schmitt talked about their struggles with depression and how they deal with the issues in their own ways.

For Phelps, he focused on helping other through his foundation. The champion swimmer spoke on the positive effects of the mental health problems. He insisted on the fact that they became part of his identity.

His fellow Olympian, Allison Schmitt has been participating actively in several forums. She openly talked about her depression, saying that people should not feel alone in their journey. "When I chose to speak out my only goal was to save one life," Schmitt said. "People shouldn't have to endure internal struggles alone.

US Mental Health By Numbers

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) spearheaded for National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day. They also shared a recent study about mental health among adolescents. The research said that people with the three medical conditions actually experience major depressive episodes or MDEs.

It points out that female teens who are obese or overweight are more likely to have an MDE. Based on the study, there is somewhat an increased number of cases in 10 years from 2005-2015.

It also shows an alarming rate of depressed teens who suffer from obesity, asthma, and diabetes. According to PR News Wire, teens with MDE feel depressed for a longer time than normal. Some of the symptoms include "problems with sleep, eating, and lack of energy."

Stay tuned for more updates on Michael Phelps, Allison Schmitt, and their mental health advocacies. Check out one of Schmitt's interview below.