The percentage of professional footballers reporting symptoms of depression has doubled since coronavirus lockdown measures were put in place across Europe, a study has found.
Fifpro, the worldwide body representing professionals, and Amsterdam University Medical Centers surveyed 1,602 players, across the men's and women's games, in countries with drastic lockdown measures between March 22 and April 14.
The study found that 22 per cent of the women surveyed and 13% of men reported symptoms consistent with depression, while 18% of women and 16% of men reported symptoms consistent with anxiety.
For both men and women, the figures in relation to depression are double that of those found in a similar study conducted across December and January, which found 11% of the women players and 6% of the men reported symptoms indicative of depression.
“These figures show there has been a sharp increase in players suffering from anxiety and depression symptoms since the coronavirus shut down professional football, and I fear that this is also the case for the whole of society facing an unprecedented emergency because of Covid-19,” Fifpro's chief medical officer, Dr. Vincent Gouttebarge, said.
“In football, suddenly young men and women athletes are having to cope with social isolation, a suspension of their working lives and doubts about their future. Some may not be well equipped to confront these changes and we encourage them to seek help from a person they trust or a mental health professional.”
England Women's defender Lucy Bronze also urged those struggling to reach out for support during the lockdown.
“It’s a worrying time for everyone, and in terms of jobs security, many footballers are in a precarious position,” Bronze said.
“If you are having a tough time mentally about your health or your job, speak with a person you trust, or a mental health professional. It’s important not to keep your feelings bottled up. It really helps to share them with someone.”
Players were surveyed from countries across the globe, including England, Scotland and Ireland.
