Thursday 7th April 2011
picture courtesy of the BBC

England cricketer Michael Yardy's decision to open up about his prolonged battle with mental illness proves there's never a wrong time to start fighting depression.

That's the message from Derbyshire County public health workers to people in Derbyshire who are in a similar position, and battling alone with the illness.

News of the spin bowler's illness hit the headlines recently when the Sussex captain announced he would be heading back home to England days before the widely anticipated World Cup Cricket quarter final was due to start.

David Gardner, head of mental health for NHS Derbyshire County, said: "Speaking out about mental illness is a very difficult thing to do because it's such a misunderstood illness.

"Michael Yardy has made a very courageous decision and his case shows us that anyone can be affected by severe depression - even famous sports personalities.

"Anyone in a similar position should draw strength from his example, because it's a poignant reminder that no matter who you or are or what your individual circumstance is there are people out there who sympathise and can offer non-judgemental support."

Michael Yardy is the second international cricketer to admit suffering from mental health problems - with England Test batsman Marcus Trescothick also recently struggling with stress-related illness.

"Trescothick has since proved that mental health problems do not have to stop sufferers leading successful lives by continuing to play first class cricket with his county, Somerset, which just shows that, with the right support, people can turn this lives back round again," Mr Gardner added.

If you think you may have a problem related to mental health, the best thing to do is to talk to your GP in the first instance. They will also be able to give details of local Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services in the area.

More information on mental health issues is available at www.time-to-change.org.uk or at www.mentalhealthrecovery.com.

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