Griffiths has to be honest with himself... and really want help

SAYS KEITH GILLESPIE

THERE is a way out of the abyss. Keith Gillespie is living proof of that. He only hopes that Leigh Griffiths is brave enough to admit the depth of his problems — and wants to be helped back from the brink of disaster.

Former Manchester United star Gillespie has been open about mental health issues that manifested themselves in a major gambling problem — one that saw him blow £7million on the way to bankruptcy.

Scotland and Celtic striker Griffiths insists that a gambling addiction isn’t one of the factors behind his extended break from the game, a sabbatical, including rehab, sanctioned and supported by club boss Brendan Rodgers.

Yet Gillespie, well aware that the highs provided by punting, booze or other quick thrills often represent a form of self-medication for those struggling with depression, still sees a kindred spirit in the 28-year-old forward (below).

‘I can relate to Leigh,’ said the former Newcastle player. ‘Very much so.

‘It’s good that Celtic are offering him as much help as they can. It can be a lonely place at times and it’s important to have people around who want to help.

‘But he has to want help as well. You need to be very honest with yourself and recognise you have a problem. Admitting it is half the battle.’

Griffiths’ decision to step back from football voluntarily suggests he’s well aware of the need to take action.

He’s had support from across the game for being brave enough to ask for help, with Hibs boss Neil Lennon — another who understands the perils of depression only too well — stressing the need for self-discipline on the road to recovery.

Gillespie is adamant that a full recovery is possible, given time and hard work, declaring: ‘The good thing is there is a way back. Of course there is. He’s not dying.

‘There are a good few who have been there and come through it. I’m sure it’s tough for him at the minute but there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.

‘I hope he gets the help he needs, comes out the other side and gets back playing again.

‘Things have moved on in the game since my time. There wasn’t much support back then but it’s good that Leigh’s getting the help he needs.’

Dealing with mental health within football has always been a problem. Now it’s one being talked about, if not quite completely openly then at least with less stigma being attached to sufferers. Gillespie, extensive about the subject in his autobiography, said: ‘I wanted to make sure I was open and honest in my book. ‘You only get one crack at it, so you need to be 100-per-cent truthful and talk about the downsides as well as the ups. ‘Everyone thinks footballers have this glamorous lifestyle but it’s important people realise there are times when you are very low. ‘I’ve seen a lot of players suffering from (mental health issues). A few years ago, it was a topic no one wanted to come out about. But now it’s in focus and people can talk about it all of the time. ‘Lenny (Lennon) has been very open and honest about his problems and, if others can see someone with his profile talking, then they might seek help themselves.’ Gillespie was in Glasgow taking part in the Star Sixes at the weekend, representing Northern Ireland in a star-studded event at the SSE Hydro. Being in Scotland allowed him to catch up with a few compatriots — old friends now dominating the managerial scene here. ‘About half the managers in the Scottish Premiership are Northern Irish!’ he said with a laugh. ‘I played with a few of them, like Lenny, Tommy Wright and Steve Robinson. ‘Lenny is a great lad and he’s brilliant in the dressing room. ‘He’s done a fantastic job at Hibs. ‘He’s maybe had it tougher than they would have thought this year but he’s a manager who is more than capable of getting up the league. ‘I think he is a better manager for his English experience. ‘It was a tough time at Bolton and his hands were tied. But it probably made him a stronger person and manager. ‘It was quite surprising he didn’t get a bigger job after what he achieved at Celtic. You need to be good to win leagues, beat teams like Barcelona and get to the knockout stage of the Champions League.’