Robin Uthappa Opens Up on Battling Depression: A Personal Tale of Resilience

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa speaks candidly about his battle with depression following the suicide of ex-England player Graham Thorpe. Highlighting his own struggles between 2009 and 2011, Uthappa emphasizes the importance of acknowledging mental health issues and seeking professional help to find a way out of the emotional turmoil.

In an emotional revelation, former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has once again brought attention to his battle with depression, following the tragic suicide of ex-England cricketer Graham Thorpe earlier this month.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Uthappa relived the dark days between 2009 and 2011 when he contemplated taking his own life. Like Thorpe, former India pacer David Johnson also succumbed to similar circumstances, highlighting a widespread issue among athletes.

Uthappa, who played 46 ODIs and 13 T20s for India, expressed that clinical depression feels like a heavy burden, not just to oneself but also to those around. He offered condolences to Thorpe's and Johnson's families, emphasizing that mental health challenges can affect anyone, including elite athletes.

Discussing the symptoms of depression, Uthappa mentioned feelings of worthlessness, immobility, and deep hopelessness, which he felt most intensely in 2011. He proposed practical steps to deal with depression: acknowledging the problem, communicating feelings to trusted individuals, and seeking professional help to regain self-empowerment and confidence.

(With inputs from agencies.)