Tottenham’s Richarlison speaks on experiencing dark days, seeing a psychologist for his mental health and makes a plea to other players.
Richarlison has urged anyone suffering from mental health issues to “have the courage to find help” after refinding his fitness and form at Tottenham.
The Brazilian received criticism from those in Brazil during the last World Cup and was reduced to tears following the win over Bolivia last September when he said he would “seek psychological help”.
After counselling and groin surgery in November, he then went on a run of 9 goals in 8 Premier League games to push Ange Postecoglu’s side up the table.
And now as he gets set to lead the attack of the five-time World Cup winners at Wembley on Saturday, he says he wants his struggles and recovery to be “an example” for not just footballers.
Richarlison speaks about how a psychologist is helping him with his mental health and asks players to open up to having a therapist 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/gCTuxyXE12
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 20, 2024
Richarlison said: “It is really important in the life of an athlete to have the support of a psychologist.
“All players should have that support. That’s really helped. Before, when I played, the problems were always the things happening on the outside of the game. Now, when I play I am totally focused mentally on my football.
“Is it a problem in football that players are afraid to come forward to seek help? That problem happens not only in football but in life. People should have courage to find that help because it can change a lot to make a better life.
“I am an example because I have access to the media, so I can send a message to everybody because that’s really important.”
He said via ESPN: “It’s very important for the national team to have a psychologist to help the players.
“Only we know the pressure we suffer, not just on the pitch but off it. I suffered more even outside. It’s important to have a psychologist.
“We know the prejudice that exists when someone says they are looking for help — I myself had it, but I don’t have it any more.
“As a national team player with an active voice, I tell people to seek help because it saved my life. I was already at rock bottom.”
Richarlison said back in September that he would be looking for psychological help following a “turbulent time off the field” that had affected his performances.
Richarlison to get psychological help struggling with mental health and crying on the bench
He also admitted it was tough to deal with a groin injury which led to him undergoing surgery in November.
“I went through months of difficulty, with pain in my groin. Thankfully, I had the operation and it went well. I worked hard and I returned earlier thank expected. I feel 100%,” he said.
“I don’t want to stop, I want more, the next mark will be 100 [international] games
“I hope I can progress and achieve important titles. [It is a] very big responsibility to wear this jersey.
“I myself carry a very strong image, where children like me a lot. I always try to walk the line, so as not to disappoint.
“I know the responsibility I carry with this shirt, [and] for a big club in England [also].”
Speaking to ESPN Brazil in January, Richarlison revealed: “I managed, with the help of the club, to get this help. This was very important for me because there were days when I didn’t want to leave the house, leave my room. [I’d] go to train, go straight home and lock myself inside my room. So, that was difficult for me. Talking more with people, I think that it has improved.”
“Today those who comment on my photos are only those who are close to me. Because there was a lot of persecution and this ended up affecting me because I’m also a human being. I see things, I see how people look at me.”
Richarlison will come up against fellow Tottenham teammates old and new at Wembley on Saturday night. “On the pitch, friends become rivals,” he said.
“I was speaking to Douglas Luiz about a tackle against Aston Villa. It is not problem during the game. After the game, we are friends again.
“ James Maddison and I are good friends. He is an important creative player for Tottenham. He plays a little bit like a Brazilian. He has all the skills and he sees the passes.
“I played with Harry Kane at Tottenham and know very well his ability. I will advise my teammates to pay great attention to him. He is England’s captain and the most important player. England’s team is strong. They have what it takes to reach the final and win the Euros. That’s what I’m hoping for.”
Mental health and depression helplines
NHS – Mental Health
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Royal College of Psychiatrists
Anxiety, panic attacks & trauma
This leaflet is for anyone who is, or has been depressed. We hope it will also be helpful for friends and relatives. It describes what depression feels like, some of the help that is available, how you can help yourself and how to help someone else who is depressed. It also mentions some of the things we don’t know about depression. At the end of the leaflet there is a list of other places where you can get further information.
Mind
Mind Infoline: 0300 123 3393
Side by side – on-line support community
The MindinfoLine offers thousands of callers confidential help on a range of mental health issues. Mind helps people take control of their mental health. We do this by providing high-quality information and advice, and campaigning to promote and protect good mental health for everyone. They also provide a special legal service to the public, lawyers and mental health workers.
Shout
Text Shout to 85258
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Trauma Research UK
We are a national registered trauma research charity dedicated to making a difference. Offering support and recovery programmes to those suffering from trauma and anxiety-related disorders such as phobias, panic attacks, PTSD, OCD, GAD etc. We know you may be suffering right now, but please consider this – “It’s not what’s wrong with you, it’s what happened to you”.
Hub of Hope
The Hub of Hope is the UK’s leading mental health support database. It brings local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support and services together in one place. We want to ensure that all of us – no matter what we are experiencing, or how we see and understand our experiences – feel welcome on the Hub of Hope.
Be Mindful
Mindfulness can give people more insight into their emotions, boost their attention and concentration and improve relationships. It’s proven to help with stress, anxiety, depression and addictive behaviours, and can even have a positive effect on physical problems like hypertension, heart disease and chronic pain.
ChildLine
Helpline: 0800 11 11
ChildLine is a counselling service for children and young people. You can contact ChildLine in these ways: You can phone on 0800 1111, send us an email, have a 1-2-1 chat with us, send a message to Ask Sam and you can post messages to the ChildLine message boards. You can contact ChildLine about anything – no problem is too big or too small. If you are feeling scared or out of control or just want to talk to someone you can contact ChildLine.
Young Minds
Helpline: 0808 802 5544www.youngminds.org.uk Parents’ Information Service gives advice to parents or carers who may be concerned about the mental health or emotional wellbeing of a child or young person.
Kooth.com
Kooth.com is an online counselling service and online mental health community that provides vulnerable young people, between the ages of 11 and 25, with advice and support for emotional or mental health problems. Kooth.com offers users a free, confidential, safe and anonymous way to access help.
The Mix
Helpline: 0808 808 4994
Life’s tough, we know that. It can throw a lot your way and make it hard to know what the hell to do with it all. So, welcome to The Mix. Whether you’re 13, 25, or any age in between, we’re here to take on the embarrassing problems, weird questions, and please-don’t-make-me-say-it-out-loud thoughts you have. We give you the information and support you need to deal with it all. Because you can. Because you’re awesome.
Papyrus
HOPELINEUK – 0800 068 4141
Support for anyone under 35 experiencing thoughts of suicide, or anyone concerned that a young person may be experiencing thoughts of suicide.
stem4
stem4 is a charity that promotes positive mental health in teenagers and those who support them including their families and carers, education professionals, as well as school nurses and GPs through the provision of mental health education, resilience strategies and early intervention. This is primarily provided digitally through our innovative education programme, pioneering mental health apps, clinically-informed website and mental health conferences that contribute to helping young people and those around them flourish.
Students Against Depressionwww.studentdepression.org Developed in consultation with students who have been affected by depression, low mood or suicidal thoughts. Many of their stories and suggestions are included on the site.
Campaign Against Living MiserablyHelpline: 0800 58 58 58www.thecalmzone.net The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) works to prevent male suicide and offers support services for any man who is struggling or in crisis. CALM’s helpline 0800 58 58 58 and web-chat are for men in the UK who need to talk or find information and support. The services are open 5pm–midnight daily and are free, anonymous and confidential. For access or to find more information visit thecalmzone.net
SOS Silence of Suicide
For support call: 0808 115 1505 (8pm to midnight M-F. 4 to midnight Sat/Sun)
We support everyone affected by suicide, whether they be bereaved, having thoughts of suicide, or have attempted suicide. No one should feel awkward. No one should feel isolated, we will continue to support everyone and anyone who needs our help.
Samaritans Tel: 116 123 (Free)
www.samaritans.org Whatever you’re going through, we’re here to help 24 hours a day. We won’t judge you and we won’t share what you tell us with anyone else. Get in touch by telephone, email, letter and face to face in the UK and Ireland. Visit befrienders.org if you live outside the UK or Ireland.

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