Chris Murphy: The turbulent world of addiction recovery

SportSpiel

Alasdair Hooper hosts the third Mental Health Awareness Week special episode with commentator Chris Murphy on addiction recovery, depression and Sporting Chance.

Chris knows what it’s like to decide to make the unthinkable decision.

At the heart of it was a crippling gambling addiction, after first placing a bet at the age of 17, as well as a battle with depression.

For years the gambling and the depression consumed him and it eventually culminated in Chris deciding to take his own life.

Thankfully that unsuccessful attempt sparked things into action and led to his road to recovery.

But recovery is tough, really tough, and if there’s one key message Chris wants to get there you don’t just magically get better.

There are relapses, those battles still linger, but considering where Chris is now he has made some inspiring progress.

Chris is also the Gambling and Education Facilitator at Sporting Chance, the charity that was set up by former Arsenal Captain Tony Adams who himself battled with addiction.

It provides services to professional sportspeople who are in need of mental health support, whether that is addiction related or anything else, and it has proved to be a vital lifeline for so many.

This episode is a really powerful listen, as Chris goes into depth about what happened to him, but there is so much to take away by listening to his story.
If you are struggling with your mental health here are some organisations who can help

• Samaritans: Phone 116 123, 24 hours a day, or email [e-mail], in confidence
• Childline: Phone [phone]. Calls are free and won't show up on your bill
• PAPYRUS: A voluntary organisation supporting suicidal teens and young adults. Phone [phone]
• Depression Alliance: A charity for people with depression.
• Students Against Depression: A website for students who are depressed, have low mood, or are suicidal.
• Bullying UK: A website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
• Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): For young men who are feeling unhappy. Helpline 0800 58 58 58

Mental Health Awareness Week is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation. You can find more information and support it here - https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week
Visit Sporting Chance here - https://www.sportingchanceclinic.com/
Messages
Follow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/SportSpielPod?lang=en

Like us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SportSpielPod/

Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sportspielpod/

Get in touch: [e-mail]

Visit our website - sportspielonline.com
Find out more about The Bear - https://www.thebear.live/
Find out about our partners The Mintridge Foundation - https://www.mintridgefoundation.org.uk/

Credits

Music: Otis McDonald