Depression in sport remains incredibly mis-understood. Many people look at sportsman as people who earn hundreds of thousands, often millions of pounds a year, do very little work and have nothing to worry about. I'll admit ten/fifteen years ago I wouldn't have understood how someone 'living the dream' could be so tortured, but in reality sportsmen are people - like you and I - and are by no means immune to mental illness.
On this side of the Atlantic there has been increased awareness of depression in sport in recent years due to one particular high profile case. Marcus Trescothick was one of the best cricketers of his generation. An automatic pick for the national side Trescothick opened the batting and was one of the most technically gifted players in the world. Between 2001 and 2006 he was never dropped by the national side. However while on a tour of India in February 2006 he abruptly flew home citing 'personal reasons' which were later put down to a 'virus'. He returned to playing for England that summer but at the end of 2006 flew home from England's tour of Australia and the true reason was revealed. Trescothick suffered from depression, an illness that intensified when he was away from home to the point that he couldn't sleep or eat. It eventually brought an end to his international career and he returned to county cricket in England. In 2008 he was due to travel with his county side to a pre-season tournament in UAE, he got as far as the airport before breaking down in a shop in the terminal and having to return home.
His 2008 book 'Coming Back To Me' details his harrowing experiences and how he contained them, terrified of what the media and cricketing world would think. It's a fascinating read and one that I would heartily recommend whether you are interested in cricket or not. Trescothick continues to be a leading star in English county cricket today and through his book he has raised awareness of depression in sport.
However, from many sports there continues to be silence, particularly soccer. It's impossible to believe that of the 92 clubs in England somebody isn't suffering from some form of mental illness. The pressure put on players by coaches, fans and in particularly the media is incredible and in the 'macho' environment of the locker room it can't be easy to reach out to someone. I just hope that if there is someone out there they feel they can speak up and, seek help and be offered the support they need. In Germany goalkeeper Robert Enke was beaten by a battle with depression, stepping in front of a train after failing to come to terms with the death of his daughter. He left behind his wife and adopted-daughter. Enke was one of Germany's top keepers and would have gone to the World Cup last year. He suffered for six years and sought the help of a psychiatrist, but still couldn't find the cure he was looking for.
Which brings me to Rick Rypien - I'm obviously new to Rypien's story and like Enke it would appear he sought help and his depression was well documented throughout hockey. There is the obvious argument that his depression was caused by the nature of his play, his regular involvement in fights on the ice acting as a trigger for the illness. However I return to my earlier point - sportsman are people and not immune to depression, there is no way to know if fighting was the root of the problem.
Tonight's Canucks game against the Rangers is dedicated to Rypien. His family, helped by the Canucks, are setting up a foundation to raise awareness of mental illness among young people, encouraging them to open up and talk about their problems. If Rypien's legacy helps just one person come to terms with their depression, it will have been worth it.
RIP Ryp.
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