JERMAINE Pennant says he had suicidal thoughts during the height of his fame.
After overcoming his demons the former footballer is raising awareness of men’s mental health.
The ex-Liverpool star, 40, who was abandoned by his mother aged three and served 30 days in prison in 2005, told The Sun in an exclusive chat: “There were times when I was thinking would it just be easier to take loads of pills and never wake up.
“I may not have took a blade or tried to hang myself but there were thoughts of closing my eyes and never waking up. It was a really scary time but I persevered and luckily got through it.”
Having had therapy the star is in a much healthier head space these days.
This month Jermaine is growing his moustache for Movember and raising as much cash as possible for three of the biggest health issues affecting men: cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.
Talking about his charity work, he said: “Before, I was shy to talk about my mental health, I was embarrassed and I didn’t want people to know I wasn’t okay.
“Being in the public eye, it’s a great way to let people know that you’re just the same. We all have demons and being on a platform like Movember shows the awareness and can touch everyone.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re an athlete, if you’re a superstar, or if you’re a normal nine to five person, we are all just the same and it’s good to talk.
“I look at life and I look at people in a totally different way now and I never judge a book by its cover.”
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Since retiring from football in 2019 the star has worked as a pundit on TalkSPORT but revealed plans to go back to school as he wants to help other troubled youngsters in the future.
He said: “I’m starting a course in December in psychology and mental well-being. I’ve enrolled and I’m hoping to get a certificate or a degree in that in the next couple of years.
“I want to go into football clubs and speak to the youngsters if there’s any troubled ones. They’ll be able to resonate with me because I’m an ex footballer and I’ve been there and got the t-shirt.
“Hopefully I can help the next stars coming up to stay on the straight and narrow.”
To donate to Jermaine’s campaign, please click here.
