Freddie Flintoff health: ‘Don’t even know when it started’ Cricket stars depression battle

Monty Don discusses his 'form of depression'

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Freddie Flintoff, 43, has an impressive career not only on the sports field but also on television. Despite his numerous sporting accolades and plethora of achievements he, like so many others, suffers from depression.

Not one to shy away from the struggles of mental health, Freddie has always been honest about his sometimes dark journey.

Speaking to GQ Magazine, Freddie said: “I feel as easy talking about the weather as I do mental health.

“It’s something which I experienced. It’s something I experienced well before I retired, I don’t even know when it started, and I don’t really care.

“All I know is that it’s something which affects me, by talking to people it helps and I’m on medication.”

Although depression can affect anyone, many sports stars are said to battle mentally due to the intense pressures placed on them.

Athletes in individual sports are more prone to developing depressive symptoms than those in team games, according to a new study.

Researchers from the Technical University of Munich in Germany surveyed 162 elite and 199 junior elite athletes in two cross-sectional studies.

The two cross-sectional studies found that sport-specific stress combined with insufficient time for recovery was associated with symptoms of depression.

They also found athletes in individual sports showed significantly higher scores for depressive symptoms than athletes in team sports.

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It would seem the stigma revolving around men and depression has finally dissipated even more so with sports stars coming forward and being honest about their mental struggles.

Five-time world snooker champion, Rory O Sullivan opened up recently about how his low mood and pressure from the game led him to spiralling into a deep depression.

Boxing champion Ricky Hatton also revealed his mental difficulties on the show, The hidden side of sport.

It was Ricky’s bold admission which inspired Freddie to open up about his pain.

Freddie said: “I understand where Ricky is coming from.

“I feel as easy talking about the weather as I do mental health.

“Through talking about it and getting help, I know how to deal with it.

“It’s not particularly pleasant but I don’t feel the urge to drink, and I don’t feel the urge to do something to try to change my state of mind. I’m actually quite comfortable with it.”

Depression diagnoses have steadily risen in the 21st century, as doctors begin to accept the disease as a reality.

A recent study of 2,000 people by treatment specialists Smart TMS, found more than a third of Brits are struggling with the symptoms of depression.

Depression symptoms vary from person to person, but there are some common signs of the condition.

Most commonly people who are depressed will feel sad, hopeless and a lack of interest in the things they enjoy.

For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123 or visit a local Samaritans branch.

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