Former Dublin Senior Footballer Shane Carthy published a powerful piece on his own Mental Health
In 2014, one year into the reign of Jim Gavin and the Dublin Senior Footballers, Shane Carthy was a rising star. A Minor Inter County player for two years and another three years at U21 level. Carthy got the call in 2013 to join Jim Gavin’s panel for the 2013 season. For an 18 year old it was a dream come true, being part of the elite and playing alongside your idols.
But in Shane’s world it was very different. In a bog published this week, Shane has opened up about the journey he has taken since then. How he had to walk away from the spotlight and concentrate on his mental health.
Sacrificing the 2014 All Ireland U21 Semi Final and Final, Shane spent time in St. Patricks Hospital to get to the root of his depression and to get the help he needed. Thankfully, Shane is in a much better place. He’s graduated from DCU and earlier this week he published a post on his own blog charting his journey for the last number of year..
The piece entitled “I’m No Longer Surviving, I’m Living!” is a detailed account of Shane’s life, growing up in Portmarnock and how his situation developed during his teenage years. he talks about his relationships with his family, friends, team mates and peers. Shane commends his Minor and U21 manager Dessie Farrell for his time and understanding as he made his journey through depression.
The playing field was a safe place
Football and sport in general was an escape mechanism for Shane for so many years that it was a tough decision for him to walk away from. But it was clear that he needed to concentrate on his health and that’s exactly what he did.
Shane recounts a quote from coach Mick Galvin when deciding to be mentally right for his benefit. “Shane, if this takes one, two, three months to get on top of, so be it. You’ll have the next 70, 80 years of your life to look forward to”.
Carthy’s post is one of the most articulate pieces you could read from the perspective of a man growing into depression and dealing with it head on.
“In total, I spent 11 weeks in hospital. My appreciation for life was lit again after my time at St. Patricks Mental Hospital. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to everyone at the hospital, the Gaelic Players Association (GPA), Dessie Farrell, Mick Galvin and of course my family.”
“Four and a half years later and a lot has happened. Since coming out of hospital I attended DCU to study Sport Science & Health. Last month I graduated which was a huge achievement for me. I’m still playing football and enjoying it more than ever – it’s still a good stress release for me but not something I solely depend on to get me through each day. Today it is the most simple of things that gives me the greatest pleasure. Being thankful for the life that I almost took away is the reason for my greater appreciation of life.”
The Samaritans can be reached by calling 116 123, emailing jo@samaritans.org, or visiting www.samaritans.ie.
Image: Shane Carthy’s Blog