England Test skipper Ben Stokes admitted he has mental health-related issues and added that he is taking anxiety medication every day. Stokes endured a series of panic attacks last year and decided to take a break from cricket for six months. After his return from the break, he became the captain of the England Test side and led his side, displaying an aggressive brand of cricket.
The England all-rounder opened up about the inner battles in a documentary. “I never thought I would be on medication to help me for that kind of stuff. I am not embarrassed or ashamed to say it because I needed the help at the time,” Stokes said in an Amazon documentary.
Just watched Sam Mendes’ new @benstokes38 documentary.
WOW.. like its subject – brutal, brilliant, breathtaking. One of the most searingly honest sporting films ever made about one of cricket’s most talented, complex & compelling characters. Loved it. @PrimeVideo @WeAreWhisperTV pic.twitter.com/JQmINnP7as— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) August 23, 2022
“But it’s not done just because I’m back playing. I still speak to the doc, but not as regularly, and I’m still taking medication every day. It’s an ongoing process.”
“I find sometimes people are a bit nervous to go into the detail about that kind of stuff with me. It’s perceived you can’t feel a certain way, that’s a sign of weakness to show that you are not mentally feeling great,” he told The Telegraph.
“People think they can’t ask people who have struggled. No. It’s fine. I’ll happily tell you,” Stokes added.
One of the best all-rounders in world cricket, Stokes produced several memorable knocks in his career. His valiant efforts in the final of the 2019 World Cup and the Third Ashes Test in Headingley won him the hearts of cricket admirers from across the globe.
Stokes will be in action for England in the second Test against South Africa at Old Trafford on Thursday. The hosts are trailing 1-0 in the three-match series.
