‘Don’t Hide Yourself’ – Xiong Jing Nan Encourages Others To Speak Up On Mental Health Struggles
Although longtime ONE Women’s Strawweight MMA World Champion “The Panda” Xiong Jing Nan has earned a reputation for her ferocity inside the Circle, she’s never been afraid to reveal her vulnerability outside of it.
Among other things, Xiong – who will return in a special rules striking match against Nat “Wondergirl” Jaroonsak at ONE Fight Night 14 on Prime Video – has spoken about the loneliness she’s experienced while pursuing her dreams away from her family.
The Chinese star knows how it feels to be alone, and with her next match taking place during World Suicide Awareness Month on September 29, she’s stressing the importance of telling somebody when you’re feeling low.
Having a supportive ear who will listen during tough times has been crucial for Xiong, and she thinks it’s necessary to be open with the people around you.
She explained:
“When you have struggles, you can try to communicate with your friends, family, or professionals. Don’t hide yourself.
“I hope more and more people will pay attention to this topic.”
Xiong also believes that living just to satisfy others can lead to feeling unfulfilled. Instead, she wants people to stay true to their own minds and dreams.
Not everything in life will go smoothly when you’re living authentically, and there will always be setbacks, but “The Panda” thinks accepting that reality and remembering the potential for better days ahead will help people become more resilient.
The 35-year-old said:
“I really liked it when I heard someone say, ‘You need to allow anything to happen in your life, and you also need to allow yourself to accept anything that happens.’
“I have always believed that a good thing will come after you have experienced the hardest times. You don’t live your life for anyone else, so do the best you can for yourself.”
Xiong Jing Nan Shares Personal Ways Of Improving Mental Health
Xiong Jing Nan’s reign as the ONE Women’s Strawweight MMA World Champion has given her an aura of invincibility, but she’s proof that mental health struggles can affect anybody.
Being perceived as physically tough doesn’t mean “The Panda” is immune to these issues. With that in mind, she’s using her global platform to show others that it’s nothing to be ashamed of.
Of course, her way of dealing with these stresses might not work for everyone, but she always manages to find some inspiration to keep pushing forward.
Xiong said:
“Mental health is very important, no matter whether it’s in my career or my life. Good mental health will allow you to go further in your career. Besides, [if you are successful] you can also help others or affect others in a positive way when they are in trouble.
“Yes [I have had mental health struggles], but when I faced these struggles, I would first think about the positive side. In addition, I also liked to watch videos of my previous contests or my highlight videos to motivate myself.”
Xiong accepts there is no one-size-fits-all approach that will help everybody, but from her perspective, martial arts have played a big role in dealing with inner problems when they arise.
In fact, the longstanding strawweight MMA queen would recommend combat sports to help build a strong, resilient body and mind.
“The Panda” added:
“Martial arts are not easy. You will change a lot on the mental side when you deeply understand and do martial arts. It makes you stronger, more confident, and more brave.”
