Two-time NBA champion Vernon Maxwell visited Erie to talk with kids about overcoming mental health issues.
"I am a big strong guy, basketball player, two-time champion but I still struggle with that area everyday, with my depression and anxiety," Maxwell said.
During his NBA career, he said he struggled with mental health problems and now he wants kids to know if they are in a similar situation that is okay to ask for help.
"I was talking with these kids and saying it is okay to ask for help...do not say he is crazy if he needs help and if someone is doing that to you, they have a problem," he said.
Maxwell said to this day he has some lingering issues but through asking for help, he is able to cope with them.
"I got somebody I can call and to, I got ways that I deal with it, when I cannot call anybody, I have breathing ways and I just get through it so just ask for help if you need help," he said.
Maxwell said it is a blessing to be being able to travel and talk about mental health issues.
"If I can just help one of you from doing something you are not supposed to be doing with the mental stage and getting you in a good place, I feel good about that, I did my job.
That is why I just want to keep getting this message out and keep talking about this mental health because it is much needed and do not sweep it up under the rug, let's talk about it, let's sit around the table and talk about it and that is what I want to do and that is what I am about," he said.