Former Sunderland fan favourite Darren Williams has urged those struggling with their mental health to "reach out" - sharing his own experience following retirement.
Williams signed for the Black Cats in 1996 and spent eight years on Wearside - making more than 200 appearances in red-and-white - before enjoying spells at Bradford City, Cardiff City, and Dundee.
However, the former England under-21 international admits the end of his time in football saw him struggle with his mental health - and it was a battle that he kept hidden from his friends.
Speaking on the Football Matters podcast, Williams said: "I was fortunate I got a bit of help from the PFA. I had a guy who travelled up from London to meet up with me. He put me in contact with a few people.
"I think the biggest thing for me was I was coming out of football, and I was going through a divorce. I was on my own for a bit because the kids were not here.
"Your head goes and you're in a world of your own. You don't catch on when you're on the outside, I was still going to my mates and still going to have a pint with them.
"You don't show it - you laugh and you joke, and you come home and you're a completely different person. "
Following his own distressing experience, Williams urged others who are struggling - particularly during the ongoing lockdown - to ask for help and not face their difficulties alone.
He added: "You've got to get out there and put it out there. It's not a sympathy cry, but you've got to take it seriously. You don't realise how much of a hole you can go into, and it's very difficult to turn yourself around.
"I would say to anyone, reach out to someone. Whoever it is, it doesn't matter. I talk to people on social media privately because you've seen something they've put on, or maybe they've messaged you.
"You try and talk to them and if it helps one person, fantastic."
