Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has spoken out about his mental health issues and the challenges he’s experienced this season in an inspirational social media post, admitting that “talking saved my life.”
The Toffees star has had a rough season despite starting the season with three goals in his first three outings. However, the 25-year-old has been troubled by injuries this season, with a fractured toe limiting him to just 18 appearances in all competitions for Everton, who struggled without their star striker this season.
Calvert-injury Lewin’s difficulties come just a year after he had his most productive season at Goodison Park to date, scoring 21 goals in 39 games and earning a place in the England national team.
Calvert-Lewin has been essential for Frank Lampard’s team in the final weeks of the season since returning to fitness, and he was able to put his injury woes behind him by scoring the game-winning goal in Everton’s 3-2 Premier League survival win last week.
After the Premier League season ended at the weekend, the England star took to social media to thank Everton fans for their support before discussing his own problems and the significance of mental health.
He posted: “First of all thank you to you fans for sticking by us this season and for continuing to inspire us right until the last day of the season. The main goal became to stay in the premier league and I don’t believe that would have happened without your unbelievable support.
“The love and support helped carry me through. One thing I learned this season is that everyone in whatever walk of life is fighting battles you know nothing about, and there is no shame in finding someone to talk to and being open and honest with yourself about how you really feel.
“To all the young kings suppressing emotion I advise you to talk, to a friend, family member or someone that will listen, talking saved my life. It will make you realise things are never as bad as they seem, and you’ll discover that the paradox of true strength is being able to face your weaknesses.
“Finishing the season on a high meant everything to me, enjoy the break toffee fans you deserve it. May the pressure continue to be a privilege.”
