Clarke Carlisle Suicide Attempt: Mental illness doesn't discriminate, neither should we

Quite a sombre post today folks. Many football fans will have seen the recent devastating news that Clarke Carlisle, a former Burnley FC defender and TV pundit, admitted he had attempted suicide by jumping in front of a lorry last December.

Stock Photo: Mental illness has the potential to affect
anyone from any background

You can read the story on the BBC here.

Fortunately, he miraculously managed to survive this harrowing event to tell of his mental state before this tragic event.

Fittingly, he shared his experience on Time to Talk Day, an event ran by Time to Change. After retiring from football and losing a TV punditry role, he spoke out to The Sun, saying "I missed a sense of belonging, a sense of worth and value in life."

Perhaps not something you would expect to hear from an ex-footballer. But it just highlights the importance of mental health awareness throughout all walks of our society. There's maybe still this idea that mental health problems are for teenagers, people with troubled upbringings, people that are just different to everyone else.

This is simply not true. People shouldn't have to feel scared of their minds, or what they're feeling. Call it effeminate, call it weak. I wholeheartedly disagree that it is either of those things.

Being able to talk about possibly the most scary moments of your life is the bravest thing you could ever do and it can only help you. In what is there to gain from suffering in silence?

I sincerely hope Clarke Carlisle's story resonates with his fans and even further afield to all areas of football. Yes, it's a stereotype that men don't like to talk about their feelings. But where is almost lost his life, he may just save someone from losing theirs too.

I send my regards out to Clarke and his family at this difficult time, and also the driver of the lorry too. It is a situation that will change their lives forever, but I believe his bravery in sharing this story means it was not all in vain.

Make sure you check out the Let Them Know resource if you need to explain to someone you are suffering.

Don't be afraid. Better times lay ahead.

Have you heard any stories of unlikely sufferers? Can you relate to his story in some way?

Share your thoughts below.