Footballers Breaking the stigma

Real life: Causes of depression Depression is a real illness with real causes — it is not caused by laziness or lack of willpower. Causes include heredity, chronic pain or chronic illness, and stressful life experiences. Many retired football players have had particular difficulty with the transition to “life after football." Their sense of identity may have been based upon their role as a professional player, and many have trouble figuring out who they are or what they are supposed to do after they retire. Depression & retired football players Some studies have found that retired football players are likely to experience more symptoms of depression than men who did NOT play football. Concussions may also increase risk. There certainly is no reason to think that former football players are at LESS risk for depression than other men. Many factors that are known to be associated with depression in general -- like sleep disorders, chronic pain, substance abuse, and a history of traumatic brain injury – ARE more common in former players.