Sports stars can struggle to cope with pressures

STEPHEN Gartland was just one of many sports men and women to suffer problems with their mental health.

According to the Rugby Players Association, the stress and strains behind these struggles are often magnified for professional athletes, who often come under immense pressure when it comes to performance, coping with injury, and scrutiny from both their club, fans and the media.

Earlier this year, former rugby league star Danny Sculthorpe opened up about his battle with depression after he was forced to retire following an injury-plagued career.

The 37-year-old, who was born in Oldham, had to quit the sport when a severe back problem left him bed-bound. He told how he had been ‘tormented’ by suicidal thoughts and had planned to take enough pills to ‘kill 100 people’.

Following Stephen’s death, his family launched a charity in his memory in a bid to raise funds to help encourage men to talk about their problems and fears.

Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email: jo@samaritans.org.

If you are a Rugby Player Association member, you can also access 24/7 confidential counselling by contacting Cognacity on 01373 858 080.