Stephen A. Smith opens up on the death of his mother Janet in 2017 and says  'for two tears, every single day I wished I was dead' in tearful address to  camera -

In a rare and deeply personal revelation, ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith shared the painful story of losing his mother and how the grief left him in a “miserable” place. Known for his passionate commentary and larger-than-life personality, Smith’s openness about his struggle offers a powerful reminder of the human side behind the public figure.

Stephen A. Smith has always been candid about his life, but opening up about his mother’s passing took extraordinary courage. He described how the loss shook him to his core, plunging him into a dark period filled with sadness and confusion. For Smith, the pain was overwhelming, a raw wound that seemed impossible to heal.

“I was in a miserable place after losing my mom,” Smith confessed. “It was a time where I had to confront some very difficult emotions, and I realized I couldn’t do it alone.”

It was during this time that Smith turned to therapy, an experience that he credits with helping him find a path forward. He described how professional support gave him tools to process his grief, face his emotions, and slowly rebuild his sense of self.

“Therapy was essential,” Smith said. “It helped me cope with the pain, understand my feelings, and begin healing.”

His candidness about therapy also helps break down stigmas, especially among men and public figures who often feel pressure to appear strong and invulnerable. By sharing his story, Smith encourages others struggling with loss or mental health challenges to seek help and know they are not alone.

The loss of a parent is one of life’s most profound hardships, and Stephen A. Smith’s journey reminds us that healing is possible, even after the darkest times. His courage to speak openly about his grief offers comfort and inspiration to countless fans who may be facing similar struggles.

As Stephen A. Smith continues to inspire on and off the screen, his heartfelt story serves as a powerful testament to resilience, the importance of mental health, and the healing power of support.