Lennon’s mental health battle an inspiration for ALL players
AARON LENNON hopes he has paved the way for footballers to speak openly about their mental health.
And the Burnley winger believes dressing rooms are not too macho for players to show their feelings.
Lennon has battled back from the low of being detained under the Mental Health Act around 18 months ago.
Police were called to the side of a busy road close to the M602 motorway near Salford Royal Hospital on the outskirts of Manchester. They had received reports about a man in a distressed state – it was Lennon, then of Everton.
The England international sought professional help before the Toffees offered their support to get him back playing football.
But it was the move to Turf Moor almost 12 months ago that got the pacy winger back in love with football.
“I never really thought, ‘This is it, this is the end of my career’, but I wasn’t enjoying it,” said Lennon (with Clarets boss Sean Dyche, below).
“You could say that the move saved my career. To an extent, definitely. I came here at the right time and everyone – the lads and staff – has been great. I’m enjoying it. My love for football never went, I just wasn’t enjoying it.”
Lennon’s issues ran deeper than just football, but he has been brave in openly speaking about his suffering and recovery.
“There are probably a lot of footballers who don’t want to come out and speak about it,” said Lennon, whose Burnley side host Newcastle on Monday night.
“It’s just normal, there are going to be spells where you might not feel so great and there are going to be spells where you do feel great.
“Hopefully, it opens the door for people to say they’re not OK and they’re not feeling good because there’s so much help out there.
“I hope I can be a good example to show you can be going through a tough time, but can get back to where you want to be, enjoying football and enjoying life again.
“No one has come to me and asked for anything. But I would 100 per cent be willing to offer my advice. It is out there a lot more now and that’s great. There is a lot of help out there. Some players, like myself, keep it to themselves.
“I had lots of people around me, who I didn’t turn to, but it’s just one of those things. Everyone is different.
“Dressing rooms are competitive places but I know if I had spoken to a few of the lads they would have actually helped me and probably put their arm around me.
“I’d never really asked for help, so think that was more to do with me. Not even just in the dressing room, I didn’t ask for help from people closer.”
Such battles in life might put football into perspective, but they haven’t dimmed Lennon’s zest for competition as, at 31, the ex-Tottenham midfielder enters the latter stages of his career.
“Touch wood, I’ve been really good since,” he added. “You learn a lot about yourself during those periods. I had to learn a lot about myself and take a look at myself.
“I’ve got a great family and great friends. The clubs that I’ve been at have been fantastic for me. I see the only way as being up for me.
“You do look back at times and you think, ‘Wow, I can’t believe I was in that place’.
“But I don’t really think about it that much any more. I’m enjoying each day and getting on with it.
““I still think I’ve got a lot more to give. I still don’t think I’ve hit top form here.”