Good on Chris Jackson for speaking to FIFPro, the World Players Union about his struggles with mental illness over the years. One of only two former pros prepared to talk about their experiences (the other a former MLS and US international goalie).
Chris abused alcohol and drugs and suffered from depression:
"Before international games I would be taking drugs and partying with friends. Then days later I was trying to mark Lothar Matthäus or Ronaldinho!"
He also shares the common experience of being left high and dry with no support on retiring.
Chris shares his experiences as part of a global survey of former professionals and their mental health during their career and after retiring.
Pro footballers and especially former pros have a much higher incidence of mental illness than the general population. Largely depression and stress due to receiving no support on retiring and having nothing to do.
Accentuates how players need more help from clubs and national bodies both while playing to develop skills outside football and plan for reitrement and also help on retiring to find new work.
Chris Jackson's candid interview:
http://www.fifpro.org/en/news/chris-jackson-what-is-the-purpose-of-living
Accompanying US player Jonny Walker's interview:
http://www.fifpro.org/en/news/jonny-walker-depression-is-a-horrible-feeling
FIFPro's mental health survey results:
http://www.fifpro.org/en/news/depression-highly-prevalent-in-footballers
http://www.fifpro.org/en/news/study-mental-illness-in-professional-football
Chris is till playing at age 43 for Cringila Lions in the Illawarra Premier League, NSW. Article about him signing:
http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/1680310/veteran-chris-jackson-gets-hunger-back/