Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has once again bravely addressed the mental health challenges he faced during his career, especially in light of the recent passing of former England cricketer Graham Thorpe. Thorpe’s death, which has been linked to mental health issues, has prompted Uthappa to reflect on his own battles with depression and anxiety.
Graham Thorpe, who represented England in the 1990s and 2000s, tragically took his own life, as confirmed by his wife. His death has brought attention to the often-overlooked mental health struggles that many athletes face. Just two months prior, former Indian pacer David Johnson also passed away under similar circumstances, further highlighting the severity of mental health issues in sports.
Uthappa, who has been candid about his struggles in the past, took to his YouTube channel to discuss the importance of mental health awareness. He recounted his own experiences between 2009 and 2011 when he dealt with severe depression and anxiety.
“In 2011, I was so ashamed of who I became as a human being,” Uthappa revealed. “It’s absolutely okay to not know what you have to do next. Sometimes existing for that one day is what you have to do next. Often you don’t need light at the end of the tunnel. You need the light only till the next step.”
He continued, expressing his empathy for those who have lost their lives to depression: “We are going to be talking about depression and suicide. We recently heard about Graham Thorpe and David Johnson from India. VB Chandra Sekhar sir, who was the rock of CSK. I have been there as well. It’s not a pretty journey. It’s debilitating. You feel like you are a burden to people you love. It’s challenging. You feel like you are worthless.”
Uthappa, who made his debut for India in 2006, was a key player in India’s victory at the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. However, his career took a downturn after 2009, with limited opportunities to represent the national team. Despite his struggles, Uthappa managed to find a way out of his mental health challenges, culminating in a stellar performance in the 2014 IPL season, where he was the highest run-scorer and played a crucial role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ second title win.
Reflecting on the heavy burden of depression, Uthappa added, “We have heard about multiple people who have ended their lives due to depression. I personally have been there as well. It’s heavy, that’s how it feels. I have often felt, when I was going through clinical depression, like I was a burden. I was seeking answers.”
Uthappa’s last appearance for India came in 2015, and he finished his international career with 1,183 runs in 59 white-ball matches. His openness about his mental health journey has been a source of inspiration for many, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and supporting those who may be struggling.
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