Ex-QPR and Burnley defender Clarke Carlisle has revealed that many current football players are affected by mental problems but they choose to keep it secret for the fear of being dropped or losing multi-million pound deals.
Carlisle said that many players have confided in him with their issues after his own private battle which led to a suicide attempt.
The former Professional Footballers' Association chairman, 35, said: "I've talked to many whose lives are falling apart and they don't understand why, players from all four divisions, from international to non-league.
"You give them some physical ailment - an ache, a twinge - and they'll say, 'That's my medial'. But no one's been educated in this.
"It can affect their team selection and contract opportunities. There may be negative consequences to being honest about your mental health."
Carlisle also said that he is ready to face the consequences of his actions for a recent drink driving incident: "Mental health issues don't absolve me. I've made decisions in my life for which I need to face the consequences, and I will do it."
Carlisle was speaking at the launch of the Mental Health Charter for Sport and Recreation in South London alongside Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.
