You’re at the start of a long road Aaron but we’re all in your corner
Ex-team mate backs stricken star
A FOOTBALLER who played alongside Aaron Lennon is backing a new mental health campaign urging men to be there for their mates.
Former Premier League star Clarke Carlisle survived a suicide bid in 2014 after battling depression.
The defender was at Leeds United in 2004 with Aaron, 30, who was detained under the Mental Health Act last week.
Now Clarke, 37, has spoken out in support of the In Your Corner campaign – launched by mental health movement Time To Change – which aims to tackle stats showing only a third of men talk openly about their feelings.
COURAGE
He came forward as boxing legend and government health ambassador Frank Bruno said yesterday: “Aaron is at the start of a long road to recovery, but we’re all in his corner.”
Clarke, who played for Burnley in the top flight, says he wishes he’d had the courage to speak to a friend as his mental health issues worsened.
“Things wouldn’t have got as bad as they did if I’d opened my mouth,” he says. “But the dressing room is alpha male. You don’t want to show any sign of perceived weakness.
“When I was playing, guys kept insecurities to themselves. You put on a facade and join in the jocularity, but when you get home reality kicks in.” Clarke, who leapt in front of a lorry during his battle with depression, said he’d be there for Everton star Lennon if he wants to talk.
He says: “I don’t want to go into another person’s place of despair and say ‘look at how good my life is now’.
“But when someone has been where you are, and you can see how they’ve progressed, that must surely give hope.”
Clarke wants to see all children being educated about mental health. The Sunday Mirror and boxing legend Frank, 55, campaign with Time To Change to end the stigma of mental illness.
Nearly 100,000 people have signed the movement’s pledge that discrimination against the mentally ill must end.
To find out more visit time-to-change. org.uk