Monty Panesar opens up about mental health issues

Former England spinner Monty Panesar has opened up about the mental health issues he was having towards the end of his stint with the England cricket team. He also added that some medication had been prescribed for him to overcome anxiety and self-esteem issues. The 34-year old admitted that there was indeed medication prescribed to him, however, he was reluctant to consume any of the medication prescribed to him.

“I didn’t believe in medication. I have been brought up to say it isn’t good for you. There are always side effects to every medication you take,” Panesar told Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) in an interview, on Wednesday (May 25).

Also, read – Australia to use torpedo technology to monitor fast bowlers

“As sportspeople, you pride yourself on being mentally strong and ruthless, all the attributes that lead to competitive performance. But when you have a weakness in you, you don’t really want to open up to it. You always want to show that you are strong. The quicker you open up the quicker you will get the support and the help,” he said.

Having been left in the wilderness of international cricket for almost three years now, Panesar is eyeing an international comeback. Having been released by Essex at the end of the previous season, he is currently making waves with the Northamptonshire team. The spinner admitted that he ‘lived in denial for quite a long time’ before finally realizing the need to seek professional help.

Also, read – Aaron Phangiso aiming for longer run with Proteas

“I went on medication. It calmed things down in my mind and took away the symptoms of being paranoid. The people who were helping me did see a change. They said to me it would take three to six months to get back to where I need to be. You have got to take one step at a time and be patient with the whole process and eventually have the faith that things will get better,” the left-armer added.”

“The signs that you can spot in other people in a dressing room is if they are very isolated and don’t engage with the whole team,” the spinner told BBC Sport. “Once a cricketer gets isolated, they are signs that you really should look after that person.”

In 50 Test matches he has played, Monty Panesar has taken 167 wickets with his previous international match coming in the 2013 Ashes at the MCG.