23 Aug 2016 14:30:35
Edd002, I was wondering brother if players that suffer with mental health are treated from within the club or get help outside of it. Even for example if they are diagnosed by the club. It's not really a spoken about topic and a lot of players especially in the lower leagues could be struggling in silence.

{Ed002's Note - It has been a concern in recent years and clubs look to identify vulnerabilities and provide support but do not have the specialist skill sets require to do any more than that. Steve Harper and Clark Carlisle are two British players who have been open with their own issues and have tried to work with clubs and players to understand issues as early as possible but, regardless of the efforts of the authorities, it is extenal help that is needed and called on. In other countries similar recognition of potential problems are being addressed in a very similar manner.}

1.) 23 Aug 2016
23 Aug 2016 15:04:33
Good question that.
I imagine there are a lot of problems within the sport, young players not making the grade could be one area of concern, especially then going into the real world completely unprepared.

{Ed002's Note - It is something the authorities do speak to the clubs about.}

2.) 23 Aug 2016
23 Aug 2016 15:50:02
Players' mental health is a really important topic, thanks Big Al for raising it. Welcome respite from all that talk about money.

I hope the club have a good system in place for identifying and treating issues. If not, there's a fantastic local charity called YPAS (Young Persons Advisory Service) that offers counselling, emotional and practical support to young people under the age of 25. The club could do a lot worse than engage YPAS to develop a support programme for our young players. I'm sure it would have positive knock-on benefits for the team's performance.

3.) 23 Aug 2016
23 Aug 2016 16:28:50
Have you seen the waiting list for YPAS. I am sure professional clubs should be able to afford to pay privately and not jump to the front of waiting lists for young people that really need the services too.

4.) 23 Aug 2016
23 Aug 2016 16:40:41
Reminds me of one such Stan Collymore.

5.) 23 Aug 2016
23 Aug 2016 16:43:14
Cheers Edd002 for the reply.

6.) 23 Aug 2016
23 Aug 2016 17:34:06
Players mental health I heard it all!, 100k a week, pampered at every turn must be tough, after Saturday performance it us fans that need help.

7.) 23 Aug 2016
23 Aug 2016 17:50:25
That's an incredibly naive stance to take, 77. Mental illness is exactly that, an illness. It doesn't discriminate. The same way as cancer could strike down a millionaire, depression or any other mental illness could befall a professional athlete.

8.) 23 Aug 2016
23 Aug 2016 17:50:52
Does depression and addictions come under mental health? Gambling addiction was huge a few years back. Addictions can be a big problem for retired players. Do they get any support?

9.) 23 Aug 2016
23 Aug 2016 17:56:58
77 you should have more respect pal. Just because a player earns big money doesn't make them immune to mental health issues. It really doesn't discriminate.

10.) 23 Aug 2016
23 Aug 2016 17:58:48
77 that is the most rubbish post I've ever come across on this site. Do yourself a favour and educate yourself on mental health and I'm sure you will find that it affects many people regardless of their financial situation.

11.) 23 Aug 2016
23 Aug 2016 18:25:43
Aside from what everyone else has said, in some cases being on a good salary while not getting chances to play, not developing, feeling like you're failing to perform can be a very good way to kick off already in place mental health issues. I really do get fed up with people thinking that if you pay someone a lot of money they'll never get injured, never get ill, never have a close relative die near a game or have rows with their family, fall out with people, in short be a human being and have that impact how they play.

12.) 23 Aug 2016
23 Aug 2016 18:32:27
Maybe get off your high horse and buy a sense of humour, my point was why should it be a football club problem any more than any other employer.

I wasn't dismissing the issue only pointing out players are no different than anyone else.

Lighten up guys this site used to be fun.

13.) 23 Aug 2016
23 Aug 2016 19:23:00
I don't think this should be the responsibility of the clubs.
What about the PFA (money for old rope)?
What about the players agent/ management company?

The top clubs certainly should not be paying for any help, the players earn enough to pay themselves.

At the smaller clubs I think the PFA should help.