Krista Pärmäkoski Opens Up About Panic Attacks, Alcohol, and Life Crisis: – She Is a Human Too

Krista Pärmäkoski (33) went off the road after her dog died suddenly. A marriage in dissolution and an escalating life crisis led to severe self-medication.

Krista Pärmäkoskis new autobiography has created shockwaves in Finland, where the cross-country star is considered one of the country's greatest sports heroes. Despite living in the shadow of even larger figures such as Therese Johaug, Pärmäkoski boasts a significant number of medals from the Olympics and World Championships.

In her book, titled "Avoin" (Open), Pärmäkoski describes the ups and downs throughout a long sporting career, but the past year has been her worst. She reflects on her struggles with panic attacks, intensified by her dog's passing and the end of her marriage.

Pärmäkoski shares that she contemplated how much medication she could take during her struggles, and she considered taking a bottle of wine to cope, which she has since moved past after tasting alcohol for the first time in twelve years.

She expressed gratitude for the support she has received and hopes her honesty will assist others facing the same battles, emphasizing the importance of mental health discussions in sports.

Therese Johaug praised Pärmäkoski for her courage, noting that her openness could inspire others. The book not only chronicles her challenges but also advocates for greater awareness about mental health among athletes and the pressures they endure.

The candid revelations from Pärmäkoski aim to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage those struggling to seek help and support.