07 Jul 2026 11:56:16
Away from football troops.
Had the privilege of my work doing a Webinar with Clarke Carlisle, ex-footballer.
Talking about his struggles and all things mental health.
An important subject that can affect us all in some capacity.
It was an emotive, open and honest 1 ½ hours which brought the reality of mental health straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak.
So, to anyone struggling out there it's good to talk.
And for the rest of us, keep an eye on family, friends and colleagues.
I actually sat my 2 kids and wife down and rewatched it with them.
A subject that should never be taken lightly with anyone.
As the outcome for some doesn't bear thinking about.
07 Jul 2026 12:52:43
Very good heartfelt post, MPH, and so true, mate. ? Mental health issues are terrible, often hidden, heartbreaking illnesses, and it absolutely is good to talk and share your feelings. ?
07 Jul 2026 13:06:11
Great post, tattie. It's something that's affecting my household as I speak. Thankfully we're getting all the help we need, staying strong as a family. That last line in your post is so true, mate.
07 Jul 2026 13:10:38
An illness masked with a smile.
07 Jul 2026 13:35:44
Great post. I know a few on here, including myself, opened up about some of our struggles, particularly bad for young men, as they are much less likely to seek help or talk about it.
Ryan, you are spot on. Times in my past when I outwardly appeared the best was when I was suffering the most, so look out for changes in people's behaviour.
Things like someone no longer replying to messages or repeatedly cancelling plans can be an early sign something might be up.
And, please, guys, don't be scared of asking someone if they are ok, or offering them an ear to talk to. You don't need to have any answers, but just showing you are available to talk to can really help.
07 Jul 2026 13:46:31
Well said, mate, and cannot be spoken about enough.
07 Jul 2026 13:51:23
Good post, MPH.
07 Jul 2026 13:59:11
Definitely Ryan. Couldn't describe it any better myself. It's amazing what a smile can hide.
Lifelong smiler here.
07 Jul 2026 14:10:49
Clarke Carlisle actually spoke about that difficult first step of seeking help, Boy Blue.
So very glad to hear your household cleared that hurdle.
07 Jul 2026 14:54:33
He spoke about that as well, Ryan & Gazza.
The outside masking what was going on inside his head.
What you can see in someone, isn't the reality at all.
07 Jul 2026 15:01:57
Great comments, folks, this illness is becoming more prevalent in the world these days. I agree, always talk and don't ever be embarrassed if you break down in front of others. Better out than in. Take care, lads, and stay positive.
07 Jul 2026 15:33:45
I need my pain that I carry, it makes me who I am. It's behind a mask I choose to wear. It's a burden I choose to carry. I spoke about this previously. Different people use different mechanisms. There are no hard and fast rules. It makes me who I am, and I'm happy with that.
07 Jul 2026 16:07:21
I've seen Clarke on the TV a few times mph. What a bright and intelligent lad he is. Wishing him all the best.
07 Jul 2026 16:31:04
I have lost a couple of friends to suicide after a massive slide into addiction. No one saw it coming. They were the funniest, soundest guys you'd hope to have met. It's like they say, you don't know what's going on in someone's mind.
If you need help, or are struggling, please reach out to someone before the slippery slope of becoming the life and soul of the party becomes drinking or taking drugs just to exist. It doesn't end well.
07 Jul 2026 16:38:36
Very intelligent, Seeker.
2 degrees but found it difficult to get a job after his issues were public knowledge.
Came across as funny, great talker, but also took us to the dark places of his life where he spoke openly and honestly, which, to be truthful, was a difficult listen.
07 Jul 2026 16:46:03
All good, tattie, thanks mate. Very true, fork.
Threerizlas, very sorry to hear that mate. ?