With an increasing number of players revealing the battles they have faced with mental health issues, the PFA continues to expand the support available for members.
The union has been addressing issues of mental health and addiction within the game for over 13 years, and has recently established a counsellors network that will be available to members in addition to the residential rehabilitation available at the Sporting Chance Clinic.
'Football's Suicide Secret' the BBC documentary produced by PFA Chairman Clarke Carlisle re-emphasises that players known for physical fitness are often reluctant to talk about mental distress. Indeed many may not recognise what it is or know how to seek help for stress, anxiety or depression when it strikes.
As a result of the increased awareness in the benefit of counselling players through issues including stress, depression and anxiety the PFA appointed former player Michael Bennett as Head of Player Welfare.
Michael has subsequently overseen the launch of a National Counsellors Support Network which has resulted in the recruitment of 16 qualified counsellors (including five former professionals) to provide nationwide assistance for members suffering with mental health related issues.
Michael can draw on vast personal experience having played at the top level but also in the lower divisions and the conference. The former Charlton defender will be assisted by ex-Huddersfield midfielder Lee Richardson, former Bristol City defender Andy Jordan and ex-Rochdale striker Andy Milner.
The former players have all overcome mental health issues and so are uniquely placed to assist members with issues such as depression, addiction and anxiety.
Michael explained: "'All of them have gone through some kind of issue, even myself, and that's why they've gone into this field, they've been there.
"They know first-hand. When players call you and don't know who you are, you say you've played football and the language you use makes them more comfortable. The empathy they offer is great.
"It's open to players and former members. Anything related to stress, panic attacks, anger, behavioural problems, as well as gambling or drugs; even not being able to deal with the pressure of football or not earning what they used to. That brings on pressure in itself and problems with the marriage or kids."
The PFA will continue to work closely with the Sporting Chance Clinic founded by Tony Adams which offers a residential facility for any player who approaches the union for support with addiction issues. The PFA will also continue to draw on the experiences of Darren Eadie, the former Norwich forward who suffered from depression and has now set up a national helpline.
PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said recently: "There is a much greater awareness that mental welfare is as important as physical welfare.
"'We want to embrace it. It's not something to be treated as "pull yourself together, you're just feeling down because you're not in the team or not scoring goals". There's a big difference between feeling down and clinical depression.
"The programme is there to keep players away from danger areas - all the things they can be sucked into."
All contact made with the PFA will be initially dealt with by Michael, whether they are from the players themselves or concerned friends and family.
Any members can contact Michael confidentially:
Email: wellbeing@thepfa.co.uk
London Office: 0207 329 9966
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