‘DEPRESSED? DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP’

HUDDERSFIELD half-back Tom Holmes has lifted the lid on his battle with depression and how he had suicidal thoughts before beginning therapy.

The 24-year-old made the brave revelations in a detailed social-media post in the wake of Suicide Prevention Week.

He is set to line up for the Giants this afternoon against Wakefield – a game that will see Luke Robinson (right) in charge after coach Simon Woolford confirmed his exit from the club ahead of schedule yesterday.

Holmes, who has been a regular in Woolford’s teams recently, wrote on Twitter: “After suffering for two years I felt weak to speak out, especially in a sporting environment. But decided I had to before it was too late.

“Asking for help has changed my life. Thanks to the Sporting Chance Clinic I am in therapy, on to my 18th session. Before speaking to a therapist I didn’t realise why I felt this way, and you may not too – it might be recent or go back to your childhood.”

Sporting Chance was founded by ex-Arsenal captain Tony Adams, himself a recent president of the RFL. And Holmes (above) added: “They have been able to help me identify why I’ve felt this way. I’ve smiled my way throug through and hid behind a mask like many others have.

“I have been in some really dark places, to the point where I have not wanted to live any more, turning to drink to numb my thoughts, taking tablets and not caring if I would wake up the next day. Randomly crying.”

Holmes hopes that his decision to talk publicly about his issues will encourage others to follow suit.

He said: “You’re not weak speaking out, you‘re stronger than you know.”