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'I got to a point where I thought there was nothing in my life. I might as well just give up on it all'

Former Ireland midfielder Jason McAteer opens up about clinical depression in a new Liverpool documentary.

Ireland v Cameroon - McAteer McAteer playing for Ireland against Cameroon at the 2002 World Cup. PA Archive / PA Images PA Archive / PA Images / PA Images

DURING A 15-year professional playing career, Jason McAteer experienced some great highs. 

The Tranmere native realised a dream by playing at Liverpool for four years after signing from Bolton Wanderers in 1995. Capped 52 times for the Republic of Ireland, he played at two World Cups and scored the famous goal against the Netherlands to help the Boys in Green book their place at the 2002 finals. 

However, in 2007, McAteer was diagnosed as clinically depressed soon after retiring from the game. 

To mark World Mental Health Day, LFC TV will premiere an hour-long documentary, ‘Through The Storm’, featuring the former Reds midfielder this evening. 

They have released the programme on YouTube and you can watch it in full below: 

Liverpool FC / YouTube

Need help? Support is available:

  • Samaritans 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.ie
  • Aware 1800 80 48 48 (depression, anxiety)
  • Pieta House 1800 247 247 or email mary@pieta.ie (suicide, self-harm)
  • Teen-Line Ireland 1800 833 634 (for ages 13 to 19)
  • Childline 1800 66 66 66 (for under 18s)

A list of HSE and HSE-funded services can be found here

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    Mute Declan Furlong
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    Feb 21st 2016, 1:06 PM

    That’s one hell of a compliment coming from one of the toughest men this country’s ever born. It was said by Ring magazine that Collins had the best chin since Harry Greb (a legend from the 20′s) It’s a pity he’s not a bit nicer. He would be treated as a sporting hero. He is one of our greatest. Only lost 3 times; all to world champs.

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    Mute Baz Dunne
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    Feb 21st 2016, 1:02 PM

    2 absolute legends

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    Mute Colm Folan
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    Feb 21st 2016, 6:53 PM

    Check this out….great story def worth a mention

    http://irishpost.co.uk/sean-mannion-southie-paw-never-knocked/

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    Mute Liam Murphy
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    Feb 22nd 2016, 7:31 AM

    Never heard of Sean but a great story. Fair play for the link Colm

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    Mute Ray Dempsey
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    Feb 21st 2016, 3:10 PM

    Katie Taylor is….

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    Mute Fergal Murray
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    Feb 21st 2016, 3:23 PM

    Katie is great but def not our greatest fighter. She’s amongst amateurs

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    Mute James Johnson
    Favourite James Johnson
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    Feb 21st 2016, 6:57 PM

    Two tramps

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