Mental health issues could rise
NEW DARLOW BLOW
PROFESSIONAL sports teams and governing bodies have been warned to brace themselves for a spike in mental health problems as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Issues such as anxiety, depression, self-harm as well as addictions could be on the rise during the period of inactivity so many sports are currently experiencing.
Cricket chiefs at the Professional Cricketers’ Association have turned to charity Sporting Chance, founded by Tony Adams (right), to look after their mental health provisions.
“We believe there will be a spike in mental health issues,” said Ian Thomas, PCA director of welfare.
“It is going to knock their training regimes and all the stuff that
causes people anxiety when they transition out of the game.
“Their health and wellbeing is of great importance.
“It is a time when we need to look after those who might be more vulnerable.”
NEWCASTLE boss Steve Bruce is full of sympathy for keeper Karl Darlow.
The 29-year-old (below) has not played a league game since February 2018, after Martin Dubravka arrived from Sparta Prague, establishing himself as one of the top flight’s best.
But with the Slovak facing at least a month out due to injury, Darlow was gearing up for an extended run. Now that has been scuppered by the pandemic.
Darlow has been restricted to playing in cup-ties this season. Bruce said: “I see Karl every day and he is really decent.
“He’s been waiting all these years. “If he does eventually get his chance, I have no problem because he will be a very good deputy.”