Mark Selby should be applauded for opening up about his mental health struggles, says Gary Wilson

Gary Wilson says he is on the road to recovery after his battle with depression.

In January of last year, Wilson publicly revealed how much he had been suffering, showing frustration in a Championship League match against John Higgins.

But now, after the help of a sports psychologist, the 36-year-old is “in a different place” and has praised Mark Selby for opening up on social media about his own mental health struggles.

“Obviously there are still things lingering in my head, but I think it’s one of those things with mental health: You never really know what’s going on. You’re just walking through life, like all of us.”

“It was really bad, and like I mentioned back then, every day I was thinking about not getting out of bed and stuff, and all of that disappeared. I don’t think like that at all, so when I reflect on him now, it makes us realize realize that it is a world apart from what I was.

“I respect that [Selby] for going out and saying the things you have.

“That’s what I did and that’s what I think everyone who suffers from these kinds of problems should do because it helps people.

“I applaud Mark for doing that, he doesn’t shy away from it and he’s been open enough about it to say ‘look, I’m really struggling’, and he’s even thinking about retiring from tournaments because of it.”

It’s clear that snooker puts unique pressure on its players, with the game historically discouraging displays of emotion and allowing plenty of time alone for reflection, as Wilson mused.

“People don’t realize how difficult it actually is as a mind sport,” he said.

“When you’re trying to make a living, you go to a club for eight hours every day and you’re looking for answers and sometimes you can’t find them, no one can help you.

“I know there are coaches and things out there, but sometimes there is no one who can help you more than you.

“It can be very lonely and very soul destroying at times and that can add up over the years. No matter how good you are, you always want a little more.”

“It’s not all about pool, sometimes it doesn’t matter how well you’re doing, it’s just one of those games that can rip you apart mentally.

“They’re cookies, they really are.”

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