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Ex-Millwall, Blackburn, West Brom player gives brave interview on anxiety and panic attacks

Ex-Millwall, Blackburn, West Brom player Steven Reid, gives a brave interview on anxiety and panic attacks during his playing career.

A week on from leaving as a coach at Nottingham Forest, he opens up to Sky Sports News on the mental health challenges he faced and why he felt compelled to leave his coaching role at the East Midlands outfit to try and help others who are struggling in the same way as he has been.

Reid left his position as assistant coach to Steve Cooper at Nottingham Forest, who won promotion to the Premier League a few months back, to become a specialised coach in his own right.

He aims to help people improve their mental well-being, confidence, and leadership ability.

Asked how tough the toughest moments he’d faced in his career were, Reid said: “Really tough, really tough, you know, you’re talking about real severe anxiety, stress, panic attacks.

“I can remember heading out to my car after going to a Premier League game to play, to start the game, and having a panic attack and having to go back inside and calm myself down.

“I had one on the pitch, on a couple of occasions I’ve experienced that on the pitch and it’s a real tough moment that is to deal with, to manage, trying to find the tools, and you speak to the right people to get through those moments.

“But it doesn’t really get much, much tougher than that in the Premier League games, experiencing those emotions on top of the actual performance of dealing with a Premier League game anyway, let alone the emotional side of it.”

On his decision to leave the City Ground, he said: “It was something I had been thinking about for some time really. I’d had a few discussions as the seasons progressed with Steve and my family and those close to me. I had been close to going for it on a couple of occasions but I just felt this was the perfect time.

“I’ve spoken about that decision and how difficult that becomes after the promotion and another season [to look forward to] in the Premier League against the elite. But when it really boils down to it, this is something that has become a passion.

“I think over the years of being in football, in the environment since before I was 16, 17, it goes back all of those years, and I ended up losing the enjoyment of that, being in it, at the front of the game.

“But, obviously, I developed a real passion for helping people, and for helping the players I’ve worked with, and in connecting with those and building those relationships, it just feels like the natural next step for me.

“I spoke to Steve [Cooper] and the club. He’s been absolutely first-class and a manager that you can have these discussions with. I think that was such an open and honest conversation and Steve is such an emotionally intelligent guy that we can just sit down and talk about exactly this stuff, and he totally gets it.

“It was obviously an unbelievable season to finish on with Nottingham Forest. It was a tough decision after the promotion, but I’ve kind of decided to go with my heart and head and give this opportunity, this venture a real go this time.”

Stress vs. anxiety: Differences, symptoms, and relief

Steven Reid said: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce that I am leaving my coaching position at Nottingham Forest and taking my career in a new direction. As those close to me know, I’ve had mental health and confidence issues throughout my playing and coaching career, which has spanned from League 1 academy football through to the Premier League, World Cup and European Championships. I’ve been lucky in that I’ve had an excellent support network around me to pull me through these times.

“I now want to dedicate my time to being part of that support for any players/athletes or staff who might not have this network in place. That is why I’ll now be offering my services as a specialist coach – helping people improve their mental well-being, confidence, and leadership; probably a mix of all three. This is the area that I have become passionate with over recent times.

“I believe that the combination of having been there and experienced the many fantastic highs and desperate lows, alongside my ongoing training as a counsellor and LMA Mentor, will help others to perform at a higher level.

“My time at Nottingham Forest could not have finished on a bigger high than promotion to the Premier League, and I have no doubt under the guidance of Steve Cooper and staff, next season will be another great success. I leave with some amazing memories – none more so than being fortunate enough to lead the team against Huddersfield away.

“A big thank you to everyone at Forest over the last two seasons, and for making last year such an amazing one. All the very best for the future.”

Steve Cooper added: “I’m obviously disappointed that Steven will be departing, as not only was he an integral part of our coaching team, but he was also a brilliant guy to have around on a day-to-day basis.

“He will be sorely missed, but at the same time, we fully respect his decision and wish him the best on his next chapter which I know he is very passionate about.

“There’s no doubt he will succeed in the next phase as that is the type of guy he is.”

If you are affected by issues related to mental wellbeing or want to talk, please contact the Samaritans on the free helpline 116 123, or visit the website.

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