Shining a light on mental health struggles can be incredibly important, especially when those sharing their stories are individuals who have spent years in the public eye.
Aaron Lennon, a former professional footballer, recently opened up about his own battles during a candid conversation with Jamie Carragher and Ian Wright on The Overlap.
A Career in Football
Lennon’s football journey began at the age of 16 when he signed with Tottenham Hotspur.
He went on to represent prominent clubs like Everton and Burnley, amassing over 600 club appearances and earning 21 caps for the England national team.
However, his career came to a close in November 2022 when he retired at 35, after two stints with Burnley, the last of which followed a brief period in Turkey with Kayserispor.
Struggles Beneath the Surface
Reflecting on his experiences, Lennon recounted a particularly dark time in his life.
In 2017, he was detained under the Mental Health Act after police were called to address concerns for his safety.
This incident marked a turning point, as it was then that he began receiving treatment for a stress-related illness.
“Seven years ago, I was in a really, really bad place,” he admitted, describing a state of severe depression that had been building for some time.
Despite feeling this way, he didn’t recognize what was happening.
“Waking up each day, I didn’t understand why I felt so low, lacked energy, and didn’t want to train with the lads.”
The Weight of Silence
Lennon revealed that his old-school mentality made it difficult for him to express his struggles.
“I used to think I should keep it to myself, looking after everyone else instead,” he explained.
He avoided reaching out for help, thinking that he could manage it on his own.
“But it got worse. There came a point where I couldn’t get out of bed. I just wanted to hide away.”
Even during his darkest days, he wore a facade.
“I could walk into a room and people would think, ‘He’s fine.’ I’d train and act normal, but then I’d go home and just get back into bed,” he shared, emphasizing the contrast between his public persona and his private pain.
The Breaking Point
Lennon noted that his struggles reached a critical juncture while at Everton, where he found it difficult to function.
“I thought it would pass, but I wasn’t sleeping, and I was no longer enjoying football or even hanging out with friends,” he explained.
He refrained from confiding in family, thinking, “I’ll sort this out myself.”
Eventually, the weight of his situation became unbearable, leading him to experience suicidal thoughts.
“If I hadn’t been sectioned, I might not be here today,” he said candidly, emphasizing how crucial that intervention was for his recovery.
A New Chapter
After his recovery, Lennon went on to play for Burnley and Kayserispor, demonstrating resilience in his return to the game.
He retired nearly two years ago, having left a remarkable legacy in football.
Now, at 37, he continues to advocate for mental health awareness, using his experiences to help others.
As he reflects on his journey, Lennon’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking help and the strength found in vulnerability.
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