James McClean pictured earlier this year. ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

'I was talking about me and my own situation' - McClean clarifies mental health comments

McClean was heavily criticised for his comments on therapy in an interview with the Sunday Independent.

JAMES MCCLEAN HAS clarified his remarks in relation to mental health in an interview last weekend, explaining that his comments referred to his “own situation” and that he commends men who seek therapy.

McClean was heavily criticised following an interview with Paul Kimmage of the Sunday Independent which he was doing to promote his recently released autobiography, ‘The Walls’.

When asked about his thoughts on considering therapy, McClean said, “I was back at my [parents’] house a week ago, and I heard a voice upstairs, ‘Who the f**k is that?’ And it was my brother on a call to the club psychologist, having a lovely chat.

“And a lot of the players speak to him and for me that’s just weak. As a man I see that as weakness. I don’t need to open up. I see it as a weakness that I’d have to speak to someone about my feelings; my emotions…”

But McClean has since explained his comments in an interview with UTV Live News, saying that he applauds men who seek therapy.

“Any man that goes to therapy, any man that seeks help, I couldn’t commend them any bigger for doing that. But I was talking about me and my own situation. And probably using the word weakness or having that view that it’s a weakness for me. And maybe that’s my weakness.”

In the wake of his interview with the Sunday Independent, Derry City released a statement distancing the club from remarks made by their estranged player. Meanwhile, McClean’s wife, Erin, published a separate statement on social media, outlining that the former Ireland international “is struggling at the moment, and has been for some time.” 

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If you have been affected by any of the issues mentioned in this article, you can reach out for support through the following helplines. These organisations also put people in touch with long-term supports:

  • Samaritans 116 123 
  • Text About It – text HELLO to 50808 (mental health issues)
  • Aware 1800 80 48 48 (depression, anxiety)
  • Pieta House 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444 – (suicide, self-harm)
  • Teen-Line Ireland 1800 833 634 (for ages 13 to 19)
  • Childline 1800 66 66 66 (for under 18s)
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