Ricky Hatton bravely opens up on trying to take his own life as boxing legend admits ‘I almost wasn't here'
RICKY HATTON has bravely opened up about trying to end his life in a bid to help those fighting mental health problems.
The former boxing world champion, 46, admitted there had been times he'd wanted to end things - but battled back from the brink.
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Hatton made his comments as part of a new poster campaign.
Billboards featuring The Hitman and adorned with the message "I Felt Suicidal, I Stayed" are currently on display in a bid to raise awareness of the struggles many face.
Ricky said: "I almost wasn't here. But in the end I decided to stay.
"There's always a reason to stay. You don't think it at the time.
"But there always is. After doing so, these days my job isn't just boxing, it is to help spread the word and help people in the same place I was a few years ago."
Hyde-born Hatton won 45 of his 48 pro fights during a glittering career.
But his mental health deteriorated after stepping away from boxing in 2012.
The multi-weight world champ admits he tried to kill himself on several occasions in a battle with depression.
Hatton also talked about the need for boxers to get more help after hanging up their gloves.
He told BBC Radio 4's Today show: "I tried to kill myself several times.
Inside Ricky Hatton's career comeback after he beats addiction and finds fame on reality TV
"I used to go to the pub, come back and sit there in the dark crying hysterically."
He continued: "There were times when I hadn't had a drink for days and I'd still come home and if something went through my mind I'd start pondering something.
"It was the same outcome whether I was having a drink or wasn't having a drink.
"But in the end I thought I'll end up drinking myself to death because I was so miserable.
"I was coming off the rails with my drinking and that led to drugs. It was like a runaway train."
Depression... the signs to look for and what to do
Depression can manifest in many ways.
We all feel a bit low from time to time.
But depression is persistent and can make a person feel helpless and unable to see a way through.
They may also struggle to about daily life.
Mind says these are some common signs of depression that you may experience:
How you might feel
Down, upset or tearful
Restless, agitated or irritable
Guilty, worthless and down on yourself
Empty and numb
Isolated and unable to relate to other people
Finding no pleasure in life or things you usually enjoy
Angry or frustrated over minor things
A sense of unreality
No self-confidence or self-esteem
Hopeless and despairing
Feeling tired all the time
How you might act
Avoiding social events and activities you usually enjoy
Self-harming or suicidal behaviour
Difficulty speaking, thinking clearly or making decisions
Losing interest in sex
Difficulty remembering or concentrating on things
Using more tobacco, alcohol or other drugs than usual
Difficulty sleeping, or sleeping too much
No appetite and losing weight, or eating more than usual and gaining weight
Physical aches and pains with no obvious physical cause
Moving very slowly, or being restless and agitated
If you feel this way, visit your GP who can help you.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support.
The following are free to contact and confidential:
Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123, jo@samartiands.org.uk
CALM (the leading movement against suicide in men) www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
Papyrus (prevention of young suicide) www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
Shout (for support of all mental health) www.giveusashout.org/get-help/, text 85258 to start a conversation
Mind, www.mind.org, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Email info@mind.org.uk or call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary).
YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too.
Rethink Mental Illness, www.rethink.org, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).
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