Mental health in sport can be particularly challenging to address in the proper manner, however it’s an issue which continues to affect the lives of people frequently in (and of course, out of) sport.

Clarke Carlisle’s recent interview with the Sun Newspaper has brought the issue back to the front pages for a few days. That right there is the problem – for a few days. There are undeniably those who dedicate their whole lives to help people suffering with mental health problems, most encouragingly articles addressing Clarke Carlisle recently have been making a habit of linking to The Samaritans or any other invaluable help service out there. The issue is, once it is no longer topical it begins to stop being a conversation, until the next reawakening of the issue when it becomes “newsworthy” again. This cycle is ultimately detrimental in raising valuable awareness of the mental health problems people face.

Most worryingly in the case of Clarke Carlisle is the willingness to label him “selfish” without considering the state somebody has to be in to seriously consider taking their own life. Clarke has said he “apologises profusely” to the lorry driver and whilst this does not excuse the damage he may have inflicted on that individual’s life it should be respected. Unfortunately, division has been created on an issue that requires complete unity to be dealt with most effectively.

In an interview on Absolute Radio with John Champion (which is well worth listening too), Clarke spoke in detail about his suicide attempt, his recovery in a psychiatric ward and also the reaction both good and bad from the general public. He spoke about not being able to “control” the reaction of the public but importantly revealed his aim to “try and increase the awareness about depression”. This aim isn’t going to be achieved through the division we have seen, this aim requires people to openly encourage talking about depression and identifying how to control it. Most importantly, learning how to help people avoid depression deteriorating into leaving someone in a position where they feel suicide is the only option left. Whilst opinions may be divided on the actions of Clarke, the drink driving charge he faces, the damage he has inflicted on the lorry driver’s life and on those closest to him, one thing must not be forgotten – raising awareness of mental health problems.

Ralf Little’s Twitter comments and then his extended thoughts on the story were published for all to see after the news about Clarke became public knowledge. Despite his initial unsympathetic reaction to Clarke Carlisle tweeting: “Oh dear. Looks like Clarke Carlisle is going to get away with it – AGAIN” he eventually considered alternate views. He even highlighted a “considered reply” to his thoughts – an incredibly moving and thought provoking response, again, one which is certainly worth reading. Fortunately, even Little who has a “history” with Clarke unambiguously recognises the fact it would be a “better world” if such an “insidious disease” was alleviated entirely. That has to be the aim now, but it’s important to comprehend that this will not happen overnight. It will take a great deal of time, continual hard work and a better understanding, it would seem, from some, who still are unable to as ascertain the full effect depression can have on an individual.

This matter stretches well beyond football and sport as a whole. However, if football, being the incredibly well followed game it is, can help, then this should be encouraged. Clarke himself was a strong advocate for raising awareness in football, presenting the programme “Football’s Suicide Secret” where he spoke about his previous suicide attempt and also talked to Gary Speed’s sister about Speed’s struggle with depression and his tragic death. He was also active in his time as Chairman of the PFA to improve help available for footballers dealing with depression. Those people who suffer in silence need a world where depression isn’t thought of as “unusual” or any form of “weakness”, footballers seem especially volatile and unwilling to admit to the problem, changing this could encourage those out of the sport to seek help too.

Gordon Taylor of the PFA said that “Thanks to initiatives Clarke was involved in, we now get 200 calls a year to our 24-hour helpline”. He also pointed out sometimes “the carer needs caring for” in the case of Carlisle. Although these numbers are encouraging, it is still a starting point, however it’s also 200 more people talking about the problem than before this facility existed – a vital step.

There are a number of things that need to come out of Carlisle’s horrific ordeal. The most important of course, is his recovery which remains ongoing despite being released. Another is the persistence to keep talking about the issue at hand. It shouldn’t take an incident like this to reinforce the importance of eliminating the stigma surrounding the issue, unfortunately it seems at this moment in time it does.

There is hope for those suffering with depression, as bleak as it may seem for the sufferer. Clarke himself touched upon this and the “liberating” feeling he felt when he participated in group therapy sessions in psychiatric care. He also now identifies himself as a “mental health patient”, again a vital realisation in the long road to recovery. Talking to fellow sufferers seems to have been the first monumental step forwards for Clarke, for others it may simply be feeling comfortable enough to talk to someone about their problems. This can and will be achieved by the constant raising of awareness, the removal of the stigma surrounding mental health problems and the willingness to talk about such issues without the threat of judgement and scrutiny for doing so.

Depression is incredibly complex to deal with and there is no one fix for every case. The first task at hand is to give help to those most at need, rather than label mental health sufferers “selfish”. People need to know there is a safe environment for them to explain their situation in. Equally, such an important and recurring issue should not be pushed to the side when it is no longer deemed topical. Clarke Carlisle, just as many others, has suffered the very extremes of depression and has now come to realise there is help available, others can realise this too. The talking should not stop now.

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