The whole football world was stunned this lunchtime when the Football Association of Wales announced that their manager, 42 year old Gary Speed had died. As reports started to filter through, the rumour mill started to go into overdrive, and unfortunately the rumours have proved to be true as the police have confirmed that Gary appears to have taken his own life by hanging.
It may seem strange to people that a man, who outwardly and on the surface seemingly had everything going for him would take his own life. He had a happy marriage, two young children, and he had turned the Welsh National team from no hopers into a team who looked like they could compete with anyone on their day. Gary Speed always seemed cheerful and happy when interviewed, and showed no signs of any depression.
But it's clear that he was harbouring deep set depression, or mental illness of some sort, which he hid from the public - and who's to say maybe his own family as well, perhaps details will emerge in the next few days. Being no stranger to mental illness myself, I know exactly how bad it can get, and for a man who on the surface seemed happy and content, to get to the stage where suicide was his only option, he must have been in a really bad place.
It's time for depression to stop being stigmatised. People need to understand this illness so that people like Gary Speed can get help and not feel like they need to go to these measures. Fellow former footballer Stan Collymore wrote a superb piece just yesterday on this very subject - which can be read here - and it highlights the real issues. Do not let it beat you, if you are troubled, please seek help. I did, and I'm in a great place now, 9 months ago, I never thought I'd be saying that.
I'm absolutey devastated by this news, Speed was a favourite of mine when he was at Leeds and Newcastle, and tributes from those who knew him have confirmed what I always thought. He was a class act and loved by everyone who met him. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time, and I hope they have the support to get through this.
RIP Gary, I hope you're at peace.
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