Irish Hockey International opens up about mental health

The number of elite sportsmen opening up about their struggles with mental health over the years continues to grow. The latest to share his experienced is Paul Gleghorne, an Irish international hockey player.

Gleghorne wrote about his history dating back to when he was just eight years old: “I didn’t really understand the feelings I had at the time as I wasn’t fully aware of what was “normal” and what wasn’t.  Then when I reached my early teens, I knew the way I felt wasn’t right but I was too scared to say anything to anyone.  Despite having a network of close friends and a loving family around me, I just couldn’t bring myself to speak to anyone about it.”

Having only sought help in January 2014 the 130-cap hockey player had mixed feelings about making a public post while still a player, his initial instinct was to wait until he had retired from playing.