Earls reveals mental health struggle

KEITH Earls has revealed he has battled with mental health issues throughout his Ireland and Munster career.

Speaking on the Late Late Show last night, he spoke of his upset over a cousin’s death, an imaginary ghoul called ‘Hank’ who would haunt him during games and being diagnosed as Bipolar 2.

“What kicked it off, was I had a cousin that died in a car accident,” said the 93 times capped Ireland star.

“You know I found that tough because he was only 19, so he was young and that was my first time I come across death or even I suppose talked about death.

“You know I was sitting at home on the couch and my parents were at work and I remember thinking, ‘I wasn’t going to see my cousin ever again’ and then it just went downhill from there.”

It was at this point ‘Hank’ began to show up, a negative entity reinforcing doubts and triggering panic attacks.

“Yeah, usually in-game he would be there…or I would be telling myself, ‘Don’t drop the ball’.

“I have went through games where he has got the better of me, but you know I just didn’t want him to beat me.

Games

as Ireland coach.

“So, here I am in Carton House, in Irish camp and I just decided I need to do something about this.

“So, I rang the doctor, explained everything to him, he was brilliant. I went down to see a guy in Cork, a psychiatrist and diagnosed me with Bipolar 2.”

That diagnosis was a turning point and life has improved for 34 year-old Ireland ace Earls (right).

“Thankfully over the last couple of years, I have got a great hold on it,” he said.