“I Had Severe Depression & Anxiety” – Lyle Foster!

“I Had Severe Depression & Anxiety” – Lyle Foster! The national team striker reveals his past mental battles.

Bafana Bafana and Burnley FC striker Lyle Foster has opened up on his struggles with depression and anxiety. Fortunately for him, this is something he has learnt to cope with.

Mental health has been a huge issue in football over the past two weeks. This follows an interview between Dele Alli and Gary Neville where the Everton FC midfielder publicly opened up about his past struggles.

Speaking to Robert Marawa on Marawa Sports Worldwide Foster also revealed his past challenges.

“I was in Belgium around the game against Morocco. I went back to Belgium and just wasn’t feeling OK,”

“Something started to creep in, and I realised I was spiralling downwards. I had severe depression and anxiety, and it was very difficult to cope with where I was at with performing, with all of these things and focusing on my reality.

“But through the grace of God I’m able to do so now and focus 100%.”

“I was in my apartment by myself. I realised I felt this huge sense of loneliness and emptiness, like I was chasing towards something that I didn’t know if it was for me.

“I felt I couldn’t freely express myself around my teammates. It was a lot more difficult to do things footballers are supposed to do.

“I used to try to go to training, play games, but honestly the best thing to do at that time in my life was to get back home and sleep.

“It was like no real excitement or looking forward to anything. That’s when I realised, I’m in a bit of a pickle here, in some trouble.

“And of course, I panicked a bit. I didn’t know what was going on and how to deal with it because it was the first time, I was in a position like that.” He added.

The striker is preparing for his first season in the Premier League. “I Had Severe Depression & Anxiety” – Lyle Foster!