Keatings backed in depression battle

James Keatings has expressed his gratitude for the “amazing” support he has received after revealing his battle with depression at the weekend.

The Dundee United striker opened up publicly for the first time on the mental health issueshehasbattledforalmost the past year.

The 26-year-old former Hibernian, Hearts, Hamilton Accies and Celtic forward was reluctant to admit he had a problem at first but, after seeking help for himself, is now keen for others to realise it is okay to talk.

Keatings, who has endured an injury-hit season and has not played for United since the 6-1 defeat by Falkirk on 6 January, is confident he is now “getting better gradually” after confessing to initially being unable to get himself “out of the darkness”.

In a message on social media, he said: “I opened up about the underlying battle I’ve been fighting for a good while, a battle I never thought I would ever go through in my life.

“It’s been the hardest one by far. But to come from the darkest of places and get to where I am today shows to others out there, fighting their own battles, that they are not alone and shouldn’t hide behind it or be ashamed of it.

“The most important thing for me was to hopefully help others. We are all human and we all have the same problems in life.

“The help and support I have received has been amazing. I can’t thank everyone who was been there for me enough, and everyone who has messaged me. It means a lot, thank you.”