Stephen Warnock opens up about his mental health struggles during and after his playing career

Former Liverpool and Aston Villa defender Stephen Warnock has bravely opened up about his struggles with mental health during the latter stages of his playing career and after announcing his retirement. The two-time England international revealed that he contemplated suicide after falling out of love with football.

Warnock, who made over 60 appearances for Liverpool before moving on to clubs like Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa, and Leeds United, spoke candidly about his battle with depression and suicidal thoughts. He admitted to feeling like a failure and losing his passion for the game as he moved down the football pyramid.

The 35-year-old credited an old friend who was training to be a counsellor for saving his life after a chance encounter at Liverpool Lime Street station. Through counseling sessions and homework assignments, Warnock was able to work through his struggles and come out on the other side in a much better place.

Reflecting on his career, Warnock expressed regret over not ending his playing days sooner due to financial strain from a bad investment. He emphasized the importance of mental health and the need to prioritize happiness over financial success.

Warnock’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking help and talking openly about mental health issues. His journey from contemplating suicide to finding peace and happiness is a powerful example of resilience and the impact of seeking support.