Football players suffer from depression and mental health problems more than the general public, according to new research issued by the world players' union, Fifpro.
The report details information given by 826 players, with 38 percent of current professionals saying they had experienced mental health problems, while 35 percent of former professionals claimed to have suffered symptoms related with depression and anxiety.
The figures of those who suffer from mental health problems in the general public is between 13 and 17 percent, less that half of that of those surveyed.
Fifpro carried out a pilot study on the issue in 2013 and this latest research shows the scale of mental health problems among players is far more serious than the earlier research had indicated.
In cases where players have suffered three or more serious injuries over the course of their career, players were four times more likely to suffer from mental health problems than other players.
“We hope that with this study comes increased awareness and commitment from all stakeholders in football to put supportive measures in place so that those suffering from mental health problems know they are not alone,” said Fifpro’s Chief Medical Officer Vincent Gouttebarge.
“The findings in the current study might justify a multidisciplinary approach to a severely injured footballer.
“After surgery, the responsible team doctor and the orthopaedic surgeon should be aware of the potential occurrence of symptoms of mental health problems which may accompany a serious injury.
“This awareness might allow the early treatment of such health conditions, a better and safer return to sports, and the application of supportive measures to prevent the development of severe mental disorders in the long term,” Gouttebarge explained.
Former PFA chairrman, Clarke Carlisle, revealed earlier this year that he had attempted suicide in December 2014.
The information for the report was collected from former and current players across 11 different countries on three continents.
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