Matty Robbins battle with depression

[SonofScray]

Heath Black's story is pretty interesting re: mental health and his life as a professional footballer.

[LostDoggy]

Part of the problem is that you tend to blame yourself and do not want to burden anyone with your emotional baggage. It can be a trap as the pressure builds and you mask it with other things like sport or booze but when your wheels stop spinning the problem is still there. It can take a long time to work through and you need to be vigilant you do not slip back when stressed etc.

Certainly talking to someone is the very best thing you can do.

Yes, that's true, but sometimes when you talk to people you get inane and thoughtless responses like "get over it" or "move on" or "lighten up and be a bit more positive". People mean well, but they lack empathy. Sometimes they're scared of being sucked into someone else's darkness, or that they'll be burdened them with a problem that will challenge their own self-perception. But you're right, for the afflicted person it helps to off-load.

I think there needs to be more emphasis on the fact that there is a significant medical/biochemical component to depression. That would take a lot of blame out of discussing the issue.

[LostDoggy]

Good luck Matty. One of my favourite players. Always gave 100% regardless of the scoreboard.