RICHARLISON has bravely opened up on his mental health struggles last season.
The Brazilian, 26, spoke of how he felt things “fell apart” following the World Cup in Qatar.
Richarlison admitted to Googling “rubbish about death”, before seeking help from a psychologist.
Opening up on his experience, he told ESPN: “I’d just played in a World Cup, man, at my peak. I was reaching my limit, you know?
“I don’t know, I’m not going to talk about killing myself, but I was in a depression there, and I wanted to give up.
“Even I, who seemed to be mentally strong. After the World Cup it seemed like it all fell apart
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“I think the therapist, like it or not, saved me, saved my life. I only thought rubbish … Even on Google, I only searched for rubbish, I only wanted to see rubbish about death.”
The Tottenham star went on to admit that previously he thought that people who sought professional help were “crazy”, before realising this was “nonsense”.
He also urged other footballers to seek help if they are struggling, adding: “Today I can say, look for a psychologist, if you need a psychologist, look for one because it’s nice for you to open up like that, for you to be talking to the person.
“Today a [psychologist] came to thank me for taking this to the world of football, to the world, outside the pitch too, because it is very important and, whether we like it or not, it saves lives.
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If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
“I had this prejudice before, I thought it was nonsense, I thought I was crazy.
“In my family, there are people who think that anyone who goes to a psychologist thinks they are crazy, they think they are insane.
“But I discovered this and thought it was wonderful. The best thing, really the best discovery I’ve ever had in my life.”
Richarlison was Brazil’s No9 at the World Cup, and scored an incredible goal against Serbia.
He scored three goals at the tournament, but was visibly distraught after the Samba Boys were knocked out by Croatia in the quarter-finals.
The former Watford and Everton ace has returned to form with Spurs this season.
He has netted 10 Premier League goals in 23 outings, and recently returned from a knee injury.
Richarlison was an unused substitute as Brazil beat England at Wembley last Saturday, and again as they drew 3-3 with Spain last night.
He has welcomed the Brazilian FA’s decision to appoint a psychologist as part of boss Dorival Junior’s staff.
The forward said: “It’s very important for the national team to have a psychologist to help the players. Only we know the pressure we suffer, not just on the pitch but off it. I suffered more even outside.
“It’s important to have a psychologist. We know the prejudice that exists when someone says they are looking for help – I myself had it, but I don’t have it anymore.
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“As a national team player with an active voice, I tell people to seek help because it saved my life. I was already at rock bottom.”
The forward is set to be back in action this Saturday, as Spurs host Luton in North London.
YOU’RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
