NFL legend and analyst Terry Bradshaw revealed that he was diagnosed with depression and discussed how he's learned to manage the "sickness" over the past few decades.
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In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the four-time Super Bowl champion and his wife were candid about strategies to remedy the Pittsburgh Steelers legend's emotional volatility.
Bradshaw, who penned Looking For Terry, an emotional memoir of his life that releases Oct. 13, told the outlet that he had undiagnosed ADHD and suffered frequent anxiety attacks.
The legendary quarterback said that he was initially tight-lipped about his mental health struggles, but eventually sought professional help.
Although he described asking for help as one of the "hardest things" he's ever done, Bradshaw felt relief when he accepted that he didn't have to carry his mental baggage alone.
"[Depression] is an ugly disease," Terry tells PEOPLE, which is why, he says, having a "good support group" is important.
Former NFL Star Sought Therapy For Depression
Bradshaw told the outlet that sessions with a therapist, psychiatrist and pastor helped.
The former Pro Bowl quarterback was formally diagnosed with depression in the late '90s, following his storied NFL career. Even though he maintained a busy schedule as a football analyst, Bradshaw constantly battled depressive thoughts.
Bradshaw told the outlet that he often confides in his wife, Tammy, who he says helps brighten his day by changing his perspective.
"I may be emotional about it, but I'm totally comfortable with telling her," he continues. "Men think that's a weakness. I got past it being a weakness. It's a sickness," the Steelers legend told PEOPLE. "There's nothing wrong with admitting you've got issues."
Bradshaw added that his wife specializes in gauging his emotional level
"Tammy says I'm an open book," he says. "I like being an open book."
The former NFL star hopes that his book, Looking For Terry, helps others struggling with depression navigate challenging seasons in life.
"If you read the book and you get some good out of it, then so be it," the 78-year-old Fox NFL Sunday host said. "There's something to be learned from this book."
He added, "I'm proud of myself for making it through and surviving."
