S2E18: Clarke Carlisle - From Premier League to Rock Bottom and Back Again
Clarke Carlisle was once known as the “brainiest footballer” — a Premier League defender, PFA chairman, and TV pundit.But behind the public persona was a man crumbling under the weight of expectation, alcohol dependency, depression, and suicidal thoughts.In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Clarke sits down with Craig White to talk about the cost of tying your identity to performance, the masks men wear to survive, and the brutal reality of hitting rock bottom.He also shares the turning point that changed his life in 2017 - discovering cognitive analytical therapy (CAT), finding hope, and learning how to rebuild as a father, husband, and leader.If you’ve ever felt trapped by your own success, or wondered what it takes to come back from the darkest places, this conversation will hit home.Show NotesIdentity & CollapseHow injury and loss of football destroyed Clark’s sense of worthThe dangers of tying identity to performanceAlcohol, Avoidance & The MaskDrinking, gambling, gaming — and the exhausting cost of hiding strugglesThe mask men wear to surviveRock BottomDepression, hypersomnia, bottles by the bedSuicide attempts and the moment he almost didn’t surviveThe Turning Point2017: NHS psychiatric hospital and cognitive analytical therapy (CAT)How CAT therapy gave him hope and a way outPurpose & TransformationRebuilding as a husband, father, and leaderTurning his mess into his message with his wifeWhy speaking out, and knowing who to talk to, saves lives
Ireland