Lennon hospitalised for 'stress-related illness'

True. I'm glad to have seen quite a few "rival" fan groups posting and tweeting messages of support. I remember poor Sol Campbell getting hounded when he had problems. God willing, we've all grown up a little after the Gary Speed tragedy.

Main thing is Aaron's long-term mental health. I hope he comes through it well. So many in his position, with all that wealth, can lose it in more or less an instant. I hope he's able to be looked after by sensible people in his family who can secure his future too.

Best wishes, Aaron. Hope to see you in a blue shirt tearing down the wing.

The 30-year-old was taken to hospital "for assessment" after police were called to Salford on Sunday.

Lennon is now "receiving care and treatment for a stress-related illness", his club has said.

The England international, who joined Everton from Tottenham in 2015, has not played for the first team since February.

Greater Manchester Police said: "Police were called at around 4.35pm to reports of a concern for the welfare of a man on Eccles Old Road.

"Officers attended and a 30-year-old man was detained under section 136 of the Mental Health Act and was taken to hospital for assessment.
Get well soon Aaron, from all blues.

Let's hope he gets better soon.

I'd been wondering about him as right-back too. Based on the silence from the club (ie, no mention of being injured or out of favour), I imagine his difficulties must have come to a head over the past few months. I know we gave the club some stick about the Hibbo/Osman exits but to their credit, they've kept this under wraps until obviously tonight when it became a police matter.

Similar with George Green when we all wondered about his whereabouts. They sent him to psychologists etc but no-one leaked a word to the press. We only found out when he went public after his exit. That's how it should be but in this day and age of salacious headlines, it's nice to see a club operating with some dignity.

Just goes to show you can be physically fit and wealthy. But who knows what is going on inside a person's mind?

I wish him the best for a full recovery.

May he get the help he needs to recover fully, and may the entire Everton community continue to stand with him. Best wishes to all the Lennons.

As others have said, mental health is not a given, even with money and fame. Aaron has had all that since the age of 16 when he broke into the Leeds team and you'd imagine he's struggling to cope with not playing much this season. A vicious circle as clearly they can't pick him if he's not 100% on his game.

I hope he comes through this. Good Luck Aaron.

I listened to most of the Real Madrid game on 5 live, the news of Lennon was announced later after the game.

The item was closed with something along the lines of "The family have asked to be left alone by the media" – announced by the media.

The last thing someone in this situation needs is outside attention, any kind of attention, however well meaning. What a pity that's all but impossible today. This will be well and truly milked.

I wish him the very best whatever his problem, and hope his family and friends have the strength and time to help him as best they can – it's the most important element of all.

All my love and hope mate and regardless of football I hope you get through the storm.

Money isn't everything, being well and spending time with family and loved ones is much more important.

I always thought he was ideal for Koeman. With his speed, he has the ability to close down very quickly. You just don't know what's happening in a person's private life.

Pleased to see the club publically support him and I know our fans will too.

Kieran @3

Good to hear rival fans offer support and excellent point well made.

This just highlights the issues about mental health, so much more investment and campaigning needs to be done by the government to help those that are affected. 1 in 4 people are affected. There needs to be more awareness about this.

Best of luck in your battle mate.

These types of illnesses are horrible..

Hopefully he can get to a place where he can use his experiences to help others..

Good luck, Aaron.

I, as a lifelong Evertonian, I wish you a lasting and speedy recovery. You have all the support of all true football fans.

I just hope Aaron Lennon is going to be alright because this is such a really bad illness for anyone to suffer with, and I hope he's soon back on the pitch enjoying himself again.

Let's just hope Aaron can get back to being the person he was, and soon.

Should get the help he needs now, mental illness is far more common than is realised especially in today's hectic "see and hear everything" world.

Mental health is something that can affect anyone at any time. And most of us will know someone who has been affected by this illness.

I just wish the boy well.

Our company managers attended a Mental Health course last year which was run free by the GMB. It was shocking and enlightening, and excellent. It is being rolled out to our manual workers now, and I would recommend it to every company, big or small.

Again, speedy recovery, Aaron.

The only positive is that he's at the best club he could be at in this situation. A club that cares and will provide him with the time and help he needs to fully recover.

Mental health, just like a sore back or whatever, can effect anyone. Best wishes to you and your family.

I wonder how long Aaron has suffered from this problem and if it had affected his career previously?

I hope he can be helped and he can rebuild his confidence to resume normal life soon.

At least that explains why he's not been involved, I found it weird why Koeman would keep ignoring a genuine busy pacy wide player especially given the great form Lennon was in after Christmas last season, scoring goals looking really bright and putting a great shift in.

At least we know now and the lad can focus on getting himself the help and support he needs.

Hopefully the press will leave this alone and he can work through it with his family and professionals. My very best wishes, Aaron, you will get through this.

Speaking as a parent of a teenage girl who has spent a lot of time in a secure unit, having been the subject of many sections, the treatment period can be varied but intense, the recovery period much, much longer.

Most people don't understand mental health illnesses . The impact on family is immense and in some cases catastrophic. Privacy and understanding is what the lad needs. His family need to know that the support is there for them too.

I wish Aaron and his family strength and endurance on the long road ahead of them .

“£55,000-a-week England footballer Aaron Lennon is detained under Mental Health Act after stand-off with police next to a busy road”

Link

What has his weekly wage got to do with the matter at hand and why would you decide to make it a focal point of your headline?

Is a sizeable wedge of a salary somehow supposed to shield an individual from ever being stricken in such a way? Like cash money should be able to counteract any mental condition?

The Mail is a mean spirited shitbag rag, owned by shitbags and written by shitbags, peddling shitbaggery to feed the prejudices of all who crave such things.

No common humanity to be found there.

As John Daley points out, above, The Daily Mail were, however, unable to venture out of the gutter on this one.

How fucking low can you get – taking a swipe at a young lad who clearly already feels tremendously distressed. Absolutely pathetic.

May those that will treat and support you have much success. I wish you well.

The reason it's been pulled by the Mail is that it's been massively criticised on twitter by all and sundry for mentioning things like salary.

Shitbags!

Aaron just needs time space and kindness now.

Best of luck to him and his family.

As for the Mail, a truly disgusting hateful rag, I wouldn't wipe a cow's hole with it.

I hope he recovers soon and it's great to see so many messages of support for Aaron and his family.

For anybody interested in taking the course, or even wants to discuss mental health with an expert, Ken's contact details are kgyles@tuc.org.uk

Great to see 100% support for him on here. I feared we might get at least one person going down the "what's he got to be depressed about route".

When I see football "fans" shouting abuse at players from the safety of their seat and defend it by saying something like "his pay packet will soften the blow" it drives me mad.

Treat everyone with the same respect. Here's hoping for a full recovery.

From my own experience with depression, the emotions which he must be going through are terrifying, and frightening.

I am never disappointed by the response from Evertonians, and this again proves the depth of support from both Club and Fans.

Proud to be a blue :)

Makes you realise how happy you should be with your life if you have your health and a supporting family.

Best wishes to him and his family for a full recovery.

Unfortunately the media, as is its way, tend to look for the most sensational aspects of the story when covering what is a very personal and private issue.

In the link below you will see how the media is awash with at best unsympathetic reporting and at worst downright malicious coverage, as the author of the piece highlights, footballers like the rest of us are human beings and not mere commodities.

Victim blaming is the worst aspect of our modern media, the fact that these outlets have so much influence on how the public view the world is a sad reflection of us all, but hopefully, there are still enough people around who realise that the world view that the media often portray isn't what most of us experience in our everyday lives.

Get well soon Aaron.

Sensational Media

This documentary said it all

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23226524

Unfortunately you can't view again on iplayer

Hope you're back soon Aaron, all the best.

Football, partisanship, sensationalist tabloids - all are trivialized at moments such as this.

Thankfully, the overwhelmingly better side of human nature kicks in and Aaron is receiving a tsunami of love and support from not just Everton, the city of Liverpool or football, but also the wider community across all age groups and interests.

I'd like to add my drop of love and support to that tsunami of positivism.

Get well soon, Aaron lad.

We all remember how his performances pulled the team up from a relegation dog-fight 2 seasons ago. Hopefully, he can rediscover that form, but most importantly, he is back to his healthy self.

The only thing I find surprising about this is that it doesn't happen more often in the high pressure environment of football.

1 in 4 people suffer from mental health problems so it is a safe bet that a few of the posters here know exactly what he is going through and also know that there is a good chance he'll turn it around. Fingers crossed for him.

I've had about 3 bad bouts of depression in my life and wouldn't wish it on my worse enemy. Unless you've suffered from it, the blackness you feel is indescribable, you just think your going crazy, and believe you me "getting a grip" isn't an option.

The hardest part is admitting it, it took me a hell of a long time to go to the Doctors because I knew I would break down in front of her, and nobody wants to do that. But it was the best thing I ever did, and just getting the monkey off your back is a big relief.

Aaron's in the best hands now and he will hopefully learn to live with it, as I don't think you can be 100% cured. With the correct support, medication and understanding he stands a very good chance of living a long and happy life.

Link

Best of luck Aaron. Your blue family will be behind you.

The aim to be playing football again either for Everton or elsewhere is paramount for him, I think.

I've suffered with depression a number of times and everytime just managed to get the black dog off my back.

It's a horrible feeling that grabs you and can destroy who you are.

Wonderful support people and some very emotional stories.

Best club in the world, no other.

The stuff of real nightmares. Paraphrased from the great Robin Williams. Thoughts​ are with you today Aaron.

The good news is that it is treatable so hopefully Aaron will soon be recovering.

Incidentally, I am looking forward to hearing the opinions of previous posters about the Daily Mirror, after Patrick's link at 69.

As for the Daily Mail comments, apart from it's 'money' comment they went on to list the number of times he has been involved in incidents, which up to now were never known about, while most, if not all, of the UKs tabloids were unanimous in their 'get well soon Aaron' wishes.

Hope he is able to make a speedy recovery.

Whatever mental illness it is that Aaron is struggling with he needs to know that we are all thinking of him and wish him all the very best. It can be a difficult time for his family and friends too so best wishes for them too.

All best wishes to him.

I think it's worth noting that depression isn't necessarily the issue here, that anxiety and panic disorders, bipolar disorder (Bruno) and schizoaffective disorder are equally disabling. We can't know for sure what's happened to Aaron until/unless the information is made public.

Some folks here have mentioned the stressful life of a professional athlete, but it's also worth noting is that stress is not necessarily a triggering or contributing factor in the onset of mental illness.

I do really feel sorry for him. One thing is the illness he's suffering. The other being everybody knows. Me thinks this is not very nice.

Best wishes to Aaron"s family.

However, he is a public figure... and the involvement of the police has made the situation a matter of public record.

Not saying that's right or wrong... it's just the way it is.

It can happen to anyone, just like anyone can break a leg. Trying to pretend it hasn't happened is what prevents recovery and creates the taboo.

There is no shame or embarrassment in what he has just experienced. Do not feel sorry for him, give him (and others) your support and understanding

But being a public figure pretty much makes open awareness unavoidable, and if the facts were not out, then the media, being what it is with its large element of unprofessionalism and lack of ethics, would only speculate.

We can only hope that Aaron comes back stronger. To my mind, his style of play seems well suited to the high intensity pressing game that is wanted at the moment, the high energy often referred to.

On the subject of discussion, as ever in the follow up to this unfortunate situation, the elephant in the room will pass unaddressed. One in four do or will suffer mental health problems, it's now stated. Many to be "touched" by cancer (and increasingly are), huge rises in Alzheimer's and related conditions – plus many others.

Treatment, help, fund raisers, "Awareness" campaigns, charity... but look what isn't happening. Never explored, properly explored in depth, is why.

If true, what on earth is going on that one in four of a species, any species, is suddenly suffering debilitating mental conditions? Time for that discussion, I feel.

I can't speak for Aaron, but I'm almost certain, that if Aaron does read these messages, he will start feeling better knowing he is loved and admired, and that the general public will not be judging him, but be behind him 100% to make a full recovery. If this had not come to light then none of these, nor all the other wonderful messages would have been posted.

As I said earlier, just knowing your problem is out there is a massive relief. You do get the odd over sympathetic person but they mean well, and once they realise you're the same person you've always been, they relax and treat you as they always have.

As Kevin #103 says "I can't speak for Aaron, but I'm almost certain, that if Aaron does read these messages, he will start feeling better knowing he is loved and admired, and that the general public will not be judging him, but be behind him 100% to make a full recovery."

I would also like to mention at this point, the care shown on this thread should be taken into consideration more often when talking about footballers as mere commodities, and ignoring the human element when people say things like "get rid" and so on.

Words like that are hurtful to other human beings, and money means nothing when you're talking about someone's health. Right that people are not being sensitive as they have no reason to be – I'd like to think that people could also be just as sensitive when talking about the careers and lives of other players in the future.

You just never know.

I spoke about going to two funerals lately, and whilst having a drink after they had been laid to rest, my thoughts were that if only they could have come to their own wake, to see how much they were both loved.

Mental illness is such a terrible thing especially when you consider the saying that a problem shared is a problem halved? Modern life is very hard.

Kevin #103, deepest respects for your openness as well. It's true that through our more enlightened view of mental illness, it has generically become something that is no longer considered shameful. But on the individual level, opening up can still be difficult, and going public can be a gut-wrenching decision.

One of my clients is a company providing a drug-free technology for depression treatment, using MRI-strength magnetic pulses to reach the part of the brain that controls mood. It's an exciting breakthrough, and some patients are eager to go public with their stories of recovery so that other depression patients will know this treatment is available. But a significant majority still choose to remain private because their friends and co-workers, and sometimes even family members, don't know that they've been treated for depression. They've kept it a secret... in fear of the stigma that still remains.

That's when getting the right kind of help can be a matter of life or death.

Also, I expect Everton to do something to give the fans something to show Lennon we are with him, a Dortmund Style mosaic maybe?

I, like all the posters, wish him a speedy recovery and hope he can enjoy playing football again!

Wishing him a thorough recovery.

I am amazed they report on Champions League/Europa League as they are European competitions and the Mail maintains a visceral hatred of all things European.

You're now in the best of hands with all us fans cheerin' you on from all sides. You keep lookin' up at the stars fella and not down in the gutter!

Get yerself healed, lad, and we'll see you soon.

All the best to him. The Blue community are right behind you.

Hope the family are getting support at this difficult time.

Of course some may see us as a mere stepping stone, but others must look at us, like Aaron, as a new start, and a fresh challenge, and some must even think of us as a last desperate roll of the dice.

We should always remember that they are all human beings, with their frailties, just like the rest of us.

On a personal level, my daughter has had some issues and I mentioned Lennon's situation to her today. These problems are all around us and the more we know about how to deal with them the better.

I hope your daughter gets the appropriate support.

On a health and wellbeing note, here's an article I just wrote:

https://www.thecounsellorscafe.co.uk/single-post/2017/04/18/Where-is-the-space

Take it easy, everyone.

Her story: I'm running the Chester half-marathon in May for the charity Mind, who do an amazing job supporting those people suffering and their families. This is something really close to my heart and I'm hoping I can raise awareness and help to get rid of the stigma that unfortunately surrounds mental health. Nobody should feel they are alone, so if you do know somebody suffering, be there for them, having someone to talk to is massive and could really help them.

Any donation would be much appreciated! Thanks. X

Tessa-Marie

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity.

The likes of Frank Bruno and even Britney Spears shows that medical intervention works if you catch it in time. I hope he beats this and finds the love of his family, club and fans as a constant reminder that he is much more than the sum of his parts.

Nobody knows what he was detained for and, out of respect for him and his family, I don't want to know.

I've massive respect for those who have wished only the best and more for those who have shared their personal stories.

Whatever your thoughts on Stan Collymore, I remember the revulsion I felt at the vile reaction he by-and-large received from the press during his own travails and I am surprised and heartened that we've clearly come a long way since then.

How many times have you heard people say "See, doesn't matter how much money you have...". I know they mean well, but they're indicating that it does matter. That mental illness is associated with money or lack of.

No other illness gets that line, does it?

The lack of understanding about it is dangerous... a person can be made to feel weak for suffering from it.

It must be awful for those in the public eye too. They want to hide away but their deepest most private and personal battle is exposed.

Get well soon Aaron. Anyone out there who is struggling – speak to someone, get help. You aren't alone.

'The Mail's headline is obviously below the belt, but to be fair they're saying something similar to what a lot of people are saying, albeit in a dramatic clickbait way.'

'To be fair'?

Being fair is something this hateful arse-wipe has no concept of.

Every bit as awful as The Sun – written and edited to appeal to the very worst in the very worst people.

"Stress related illness" could mean a lot of things, and isn't normally used to cover depression.

Nobody chooses to have mental health issues anymore than Seamus wanted a broken leg.

I remember Collymore going through it a few years ago, people said "How can he be depressed, he's on £50k a week"!

I think society has moved on in a good way and people now realise that it is an illness which can affect anyone.

Get well soon, Aaron, hope you read this page.

I have suffered from stress and axiety for more than ten years. I had to see Welfare Services quite a few times, because I couldn't cope. My problems came to a head in 2015 when I had to take off work with depression. My family didn't understand it and told me to pull myself together.

I would hope Aaron is told about Mindfulness, and how we think of the now and not the past or future. Mindfulness is hard to understand. The people who seem to understand it are Buddhists, and I am finding going to a Buddhist Centre for training in Meditation. I have found that a lot of the folk who go have suffered from Anxiety etc. I have found that you get more support from Buddhists, my Christian friends think that all you need to do is become a Christian and it will go away.

And while I otherwise loath the song for the connotations with that lot, I feel like the words of You'll Never Walk Alone are actually quite apt for anyone dealing with serious illness (Macmillan use a version on their adverts).

What a piece of shit you've shown yourself as with that post. Absolutely disgraceful. Illness doesn't check a person's bank account.

Nicely put.

When so much has been expected of you since you were a child and at the fag end of your career you have not achieved what you believed you were capable of it is little wonder that depression sets in for some players while others can "take the money and run"?

It is a reminder that sometimes the groans of despair and shouts of abuse from the terraces can have a destructive impact on some players. I hope we see Aaron Lennon play in an Everton shirt again and I hope we give him fantastic support if he does.

I've had my own battle with a stress related illness and it occurred at a time when everything in life for me was going perfectly well. That's why the headline about his weekly wage is not only a disgrace, it's totally ignorant.

Stress related illnesses can strike anyone at anytime; having been through it, I'd offer anyone dealing with issues of this nature my very best wishes.

Get well soon, Aaron.

I did almost "flag" your comment for the moderators to remove it but, on reflection, perhaps better it stays there as (a) its uniqueness emphasises the extent of the generosity of spirit among the rest of the ToffeeWeb community; and (b) it might just allow you to reflect it a bit longer on your post.

Liam's post (#18), I suspect, anticipated there'd be one moron out there.

I've had a pretty stressful existence but have been fortunate enough not to suffer such problems. Similarly, I know people with seemingly more comfortable lives who have suffered such problems.

They're no dividing line between haves and have-nots, it's an illness. Like any illness, it can strike anyone. It can be due to something long ago in the past. Or there might not be any obvious reason.

Not for one second would you criticise someone who earns £50k a week for having cancer. This is not that dissimilar.

To be fair, I didn't say the Mail was being fair. I said I was being fair.

The Mail made a link between money and happiness, as though those two are related to mental health. They did it in a very shitty, tabloid way, but plenty of well meaning people have made the same association.

The cause might not be anything to do with him being a footballer. Anything can trigger depression. Whats minor to one person, can be major to another and vice versa.

At least mental health doesn't have the stigma attached to it these days as it did in yesteryear. So he will get the best of treatment.

As for the two shit papers in question, I can't understand why anybody even mentions their names. Leave them were they belong in the rubbish bin.

You'll get lots of support from your blue family. I hope it helps you through. You can't put a price on your health. Mental health issues are often undetected and therefore people reach breaking point. Hopefully, with the recent disclosures from the Princes, man in particular will start talking about their feelings without fear of ridicule. There's no shame in being overwhelmed by stress or depression.

Over the course of a few months, I suffered from a frustrating inability to swallow, an irregular heartbeat and sleep apnea. It was only when I went to the GP that stress and anxiety were diagnosed.

These are the kinds of physical symptoms that can manifest themselves from a psychological cause. So with that said, best wishes to Aaron Lennon for a full recovery.

The situation is nothing to be scoffed at no matter what he has or what he can still achieve. The lad is obviously in a place or situation he can't control and I pray he gets back to being happy. Give me a broken bone over mental pain anyday.

Best of health to all you TW well wishers, the support is fantastic and as simple as it sounds, a little line of hope can give anyone in that situation a big lift.

He could be on a million quid a minute and banging all the Pussycat Dolls on a rolling contract but if his mind is not good, he can't be happy and healthy.

You're right in saying we have suffered but we are here writing about it which tells me we coped. (Even though it's still totally irrelevant.)

I suffer from chronic clinical depression which had no apparent cause. I had a great career, plenty of money, great family and everything I could have wished for. One morning, I woke up and couldn't even get out of bed. Had a complete mental breakdown and it has taken many years to reach a point where I can function 'normally' most of the time. My illness wasn't related to my earnings in any way.

Until it hit me I would have told everyone I was happy and contented with life. This is an illness, like cancer, heart disease or any other sickness. The big difference is that it can't be seen and that makes it hard for some people to understand. Worth remembering that Winston Churchill fought depression for many years. He called it his 'black dog'.

Get well soon, Aaron Lennon. The vast majority of Evertonians are in your corner and will stick by you.

All the best to you, sir, as you continue to regain your grip on life.

And as you mentioned, you're in good company -- aside from Churchill, the club includes Abraham Lincoln (“I am now the most miserable man living”), Buddha, Freud, Darwin, Hemingway, Bergman and, more recently, JK Rowling, Michael Phelps and Brad Pitt.

He's not alone in thinking like this, there will be plenty of people who think it but will not say it because they know the reaction will be severe.

I've had physical pain before now that has required morphine nothing comes close to the devastating fear that is depression... as a young man you think "I've got 30 or 40 years of feeling like this!" when depression grips, you do not think it will pass.

The worst part of it is people think a few pearls of wisdom will sort it out. It won't... love, compassion, understanding and support.

Best of luck Aaron – we are all behind you.

I think it proves depression, like pain, is something no-one can see. I know a few friends who have been overwhelmed by this illness and it is terrible to watch them go through months and years suffering and going from happy-go-lucky people to withdrawn and hardly taking in what is going on around them.

One of them, a life-long friend, came through it with help from family and friends but it left him not the person he was but much much better and able to enjoy life again and strangely he can talk about the way he was and even laugh at some of the things he did and said.

Best of luck to the future and glad you were able to talk about your illness, Brian. I'm no expert but think it is a good sign of your progress that you can talk about the way you were.

When you have all the things you ever dreamed about, all the experiences money can buy it might make some happy for a while. But when you look at your friend's and lovers and can never be sure what or who it is they love it then all the Ferrari's in the world won't give you peace. Especially when you know that money is running out.

None of that directly applies to clinical depression or anxiety of course, but if you are prone it might be a factor.

Go and help people, not with your money but with who you are. If just one thanks you for your help it is worth far more than mere money.

Agreed.

Koeman in his presser would go no further than saying it was stress-related illness, also saying that further details were private at this stage.

Football must heed lessons from Everton star Aaron Lennon's plight

The responses to the Mike Gaynes thread, with the heart-warming, joyous posts in support of his visit, and now the thoughtful messages here (well spoken, in particular, Brian Porter) show an even more caring set of supporters than I thought we had.

You are one of us, and despite our silly occasional squabbles, we genuinely care about each other. Far more than we truly realise. Then, "one of our own" faces difficult circumstances and we quit our momentary trivialities and focus upon the greater issues.

Like many Royal Blues, my thoughts have been with you since the news broke.

Draw upon our strength Aaron, please.
But, as I said in opening, take your time.

Best wishes.