PCA launch initiative to combat depression

By Robin Hutchison

While county cricket spectators may have felt down in the dumps about the wettest summer for a century, the very real subject of depression among the players they watch is altogether more serious.

Timed to coincide with the end of the domestic season, the Professional Cricketers' Association has now launched a series of online tutorials aimed at helping them identify the warning signs.

Featuring high-profile players including Marcus Trescothick and Andrew Flintoff, the material confronts the stigma of depression in the dressing room. It also features sections tackling alcohol and drugs abuse, gambling, anxiety, self-harm and how to seek help within hours of contacting a confidential helpline.

The launch of the tutorials, which the PCA hopes every player will complete, follows a recent confession by former Essex and Northants fast bowler Darren Cousins that he took an overdose soon after hanging up his bowling boots.

Cousins said: "There's no doubt I found the 'loss' of cricket and everything about it hard to cope with, but accepting the PCA's help was key to my recovery and where I am now.

"And that's my message: recognise your feelings and your state of mind and reach for help or accept offers of help. Don't be too proud. We have got a great support system in place to help us through tough times. Without my acceptance, I wouldn't be here to see my little girl grow up."

Warwickshire's Tim Ambrose, who features in video footage, has also admitted that he considered giving up the game due to severe depression after losing his England Test place.

PCA assistant chief executive Jason Ratcliffe hopes the launch will now help affected players confront their demons before it's too late. He said: "Cricket has one of the highest suicide rates in sport. It is important that all our members and families know how to access help if the need should arise.

"The PCA now employs six regional Personal Development Managers, who help players to plan and prepare for their futures. Every current player has received a personal development plan this summer and it is hoped this proactive approach will help retiring players enjoy a soft landing come rain or shine."
 

Date: 17/09/2012 20:38:00 by TheCricketer
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