Sunday, 2 March 2014

Rugby League star Sean Long admits he attempted suicide in January after long ...


  • The former Great Britain player has struggled to cope since retirement

  • Injury forced him to give up the game in 2011

  • He locked himself in his garage and started his car engine

  • He was rescued after a friend alerted his mother and brother


By

Sam Webb



PUBLISHED:


12:57, 2 March 2014




|
UPDATED:


14:55, 2 March 2014




A Rugby League legend has spoken of his suicide attempt following a long battle with depression sparked by retirement from the sport he loves.


Sean Long, a fan favourite for St Helens and Great Britain, says he has struggled to cope since injury ended his playing days in 2011.


In January he took tablets and attempted to start his car in his closed garage but was saved by friends and family. He was sectioned but has since been released by doctors into the care of his mother Pamela and brother Karl.


Sean Long, left, lifting the Powergen Challenge Cup. He has spoken of his struggles with depression and his suicide attempt


Sean Long, left, lifting the Powergen Challenge Cup. He has spoken of his struggles with depression and his suicide attempt



Long has endured turbulent times both on the field and in his personal life. In 2009 he suffered severe nerve damage during surgery to

repair a broken jaw in 2009 and in 2011 he got divorced from his wife Claire.


‘I’ve got a face like a dropped pie,’ he said in

2010.


‘It’s getting better slowly but there’s a lot of nerve damage. That’s what’s causing my face to drop a bit.


‘I’ve

got a machine to try to stimulate the nerves as well. It’s ongoing and

it’s going to be slow but, as long as it doesn’t stop me playing the

game I love, I’m happy.


‘I’m not bothered about having this face as long as I can play rugby.’


He was also banned from playing for three

months in 2004 after placing a bet on his own side to lose, claiming

he did not know it was against the rules.


Long


Sean Long in 2004, during the furore over betting against his own team


Long’s injuries forced him to retire in 2011. He is pictured during his stint at St Helens (left) and during the furore over betting against his own team in 2004



Joyous: Long scores a try during the Powergen Challenge Cup Semi Final match between Hull KR and St. Helens at the Galpharm Stadium in Huddersfield


Joyous: Long scores a try during the Powergen Challenge Cup Semi Final match between Hull KR and St. Helens at the Galpharm Stadium in Huddersfield



The 37-year-old, famed in his playing

days for his instantly-recognisable blonde dreadlocks, was rescued when a friend who lives nearby was able to alert his mother and brother.


He says he is now recovering and trying to

move forward with his life.


‘It was a cry for help,’ he said.


‘It’s

only now that I’m learning to speak to people about what I was going

through that I realise a lot of people have been in this situation

before.’


In action during a match between St.Helens and Salford City Reds at Knowsley Road on April 9, 2007


In action during a match between St.Helens and Salford City Reds at Knowsley Road on April 9, 2007



Powerhouse: Long won every honour in the domestic game during 12 years at St Helens


Powerhouse: Long won every honour in the domestic game during 12 years at St Helens



Long poses for the media during a walkabout at Wembley Stadium, ahead of the clash between St Helens and Catalans Dragons in the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final in 2007


Long poses for the media during a walkabout at Wembley Stadium, ahead of the clash between St Helens and Catalans Dragons in the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final in 2007



He told the Sunday People: ‘It’s a big thing, depression – it gets hold of you. I’m glad I’m out the other side.’


Long won every honour in the domestic game during 12 years at St Helens and made his last Super League appearance for Hull in June 2011.


In 2000 he won rugby league’s ‘Man of Steel’ award as player of the season.


For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here for details.








Comments (29)


Share what you think



The comments below have been moderated in advance.





Toffee Blue,


St Helens,


2 hours ago


Come on Longy, get well soon mate.


#SaintsLegend.





Zane1251,


Hull, United Kingdom,


2 hours ago


Longey you were a fantastic player and a joy to watch, no one kicked the ball like you did.. you still have loads to give the game. Keep you’re chin up and please seek help if you need it. Don’t bottle it. Good luck.





Cheryl,


Maritimes, Canada,


3 hours ago


Studies here in North America on ice hockey and american-style football players are showing mental health problems are prevalent in former athletes due to concussion syndrome, or injuries to the head. Rugby is a rough game, along with having to leave the sport, Mr. Long’s depressive mood was likely exacerbated by injuries to his head sustained while playing.





former labour voter,


margate, United Kingdom,


3 hours ago


Good luck Sean.Wishing you all the best.





former labour voter,


margate, United Kingdom,


3 hours ago


Good luck Sean.I send you my best wishes





Lucy,


Worcs,


3 hours ago


Best wishes for recovery – I have been in the depths and its a lonely black place to be.





Mick,


Hitchin,


3 hours ago


Its something many people don’t think about. They’re in the spotlight playing a game they love and in some cases being very well rewarded for it, then suddenly, injury or age catches up …. then what? Even as a Wigan fan I have always admired Sean for the extremely talented player he is. I’m sure your family and friends will be there to help you through this tough time. You have so many people who care and too much living to do! Good luck to you mate.





Corden69,


Liverpool, United Kingdom,


4 hours ago


I’m sure I’m speaking for ALL rugby league and sports fans around the world by saying “you keep believing Longy” . As a rugby league fan and a Saints supporter i wish you a quick and speedy recovery and its good to know you have a strong and loving supportive network caring for you now! From all you inspired and entertained from the world of rugby league, cheers Longy!





Tony,


Dudley,


4 hours ago


loulee, they supposedly do with their State of Mind campaign, but it clearly isn’t working.






Kristof,


London, United Kingdom,


5 hours ago


This is why you need Jesus in your life. People who don’t follow The Bible are destined for misery.



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Article source: http://www.espnscrum.com/sevens-2013-14/rugby/story/214997.html


Rugby League star Sean Long admits he attempted suicide in January after long ...
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