Former footballer left suicidal during alcoholism and gambling battle
Clarke Carlisle, a former professional footballer, revealed his struggles with alcoholism, gambling, and two suicide attempts during a 13-year period.Summary
Former professional footballer Clarke Carlisle shared his experiences with alcoholism and gambling addiction, revealing he attempted suicide twice over 13 years. Carlisle, who played for clubs like Queens Park Rangers and Leeds United, attributed his struggles to a dependence on external validation, initially from his father and later from managers and fans. A knee injury in 2001 triggered a period of heavy drinking, followed by a deep depressive episode after retirement in 2013 and another suicide attempt in 2014. After being hit by a lorry and receiving treatment, he underwent cognitive analytic therapy and began to recover. Now working with Betknowmore, a charity supporting gambling addicts, Carlisle urges those struggling with mental health to seek professional help, emphasizing that recovery is possible and support is available.
(Source：Daily Record)