In a moving and heartfelt video released on August 20, 2024, Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has shared his personal journey with depression and mental health.
“I’ve faced many battles on the cricket field, but none as tough as the one I fought with depression. I’m breaking the silence around mental health because I know I’m not alone. I want to inspire you to prioritize your well-being, seek help, and find hope in the darkness. Watch my story on this episode of #TrueLearnings and let’s break the stigma around mental health together,” he wrote.
Robin’s YouTube channel has 6.39k subscribers, and since being uploaded, the video has already received more than 1,600 views. In the video, Uthappa offers a glimpse into the hidden battles that athletes face off the field.
“I have often felt when I was going through clinical depression as a burden on myself, forget the people around me, I felt a burden onto myself. Just going through life in a way that was far from where I wanted to be and I had no answers.”
A battle beyond boundaries
Uthappa’s battle with depression began in 2011, a period when he was at the height of his cricket career. Despite his professional successes, he felt a sense of shame, burden, and worthlessness.
He confessed to battling thoughts of suicide during his darkest moments.
“Every step feels heavier and heavier and heavier. Every step that you take feels like more is being added onto you. You just feel immobile. I went through weeks and months and years of not wanting to get out of the bed. I remember in 2011 I went the entire year so ashamed of who I had become as a human being that I couldn’t look myself in the mirror.”
And although rare, more athletes are talking about the mental toll of playing high-pressure sports and the intense public scrutiny that comes along with it. Athletes are often expected to “toughen up” or “push through” psychological challenges.
Reality is that no one is immune to the cost of such a push.
The video arrives at a time when the sporting world is still reeling from the suicide of former England cricketer Graham Thorpe, who also battled depression.
Ask for help, urges Uthappa, and that message couldn’t have come at a better time. With World Suicide Prevention Day next month, Uthappa’s vulnerability in talking about his mental health struggles shows that we aren’t alone.
Other cricketers on mental health
1. Marcus Trescothick (England)
Marcus Trescothick was one of the first high-profile cricketers to open up about mental health issues. During England’s tour of India in 2006, Trescothick left the team, citing “personal reasons.” Later, he revealed that he had been struggling with anxiety and depression, which eventually led him to retire from international cricket. Trescothick’s openness helped bring mental health issues in sports into the spotlight, and he later wrote a book, *Coming Back to Me,* where he detailed his experiences.
2. Jonathan Trott (England)
Jonathan Trott was a mainstay in the English cricket team when, during the 2013/14 Ashes series, he withdrew from the tour, citing a “stress-related illness.” Trott later shared that he had been battling anxiety for a long time and that the pressure of the sport had taken a significant toll on his mental health. His decision to prioritize his mental well-being helped start a more open conversation about stress and anxiety in professional cricket.
3. Virat Kohli (India)
Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has spoken openly about the mental health challenges he faced, particularly during rough patches when he was out of form. Kohli admitted that he felt alone and struggled with negative thoughts during those periods.
4. Sarah Taylor (England)
Sarah Taylor, one of the greatest cricketers of all time, stepped away from the game in 2019 due to her ongoing struggles with anxiety. Taylor had been dealing with severe anxiety for years, which affected her ability to travel and play.
5. Ben Stokes (England)
In 2021, England all-rounder Ben Stokes took an indefinite break from cricket to focus on his mental health. Stokes, who had faced enormous pressure and had been dealing with personal challenges, including the death of his father, decided to step back and prioritize his well-being. His decision was widely supported, and he emphasized the importance of taking care of mental health, even at the peak of a professional career.
