Newcastle striker Callum Wilson has revealed he considered taking his own life during an unhappy childhood but found a “saviour” in football.
The 31-year-old England international has also said he has received therapy for mental health issues in the past 18 months.
Wilson opened up about his past in a candid interview with the High Performance Podcast for Mental Health Awareness week in the hope his story can help others.
Wilson, the eldest of six children, grew up in a single-parent household in Coventry. He witnessed domestic violence at home and had spells in foster care, as well as receiving help from food banks.
He said he had “suicidal moments” at the age of 12 or 13.
When asked what stopped them, he said: “Thinking that I had too much to offer in terms of life – (I was) so young at the time and just thinking that this can’t be all that life has to offer, basically. There’s more out there for me.
“There was a higher power that was kind of calling me and football really was my saviour, I think. It was my escape.”
Wilson broke into the professional game with Coventry before going on to establish himself in the Premier League with Bournemouth. He joined Newcastle in 2020.
Despite a successful career, Wilson admitted he struggled to cope with some of the setbacks he has experienced and that ultimately led to him seeking therapy last year.
He said: “I think what I’ve realised is when football is going great, when life is going great, you can block it out.
“I had a period over the past 18 months where I had setback after setback and things just got on top. Basically, it was too much to suppress. Basically, it all rose to my head and I was, like, I need to go seek therapy now.
“I (was) at a point where I (was) starting to go back down the wrong path – little things creeping in, gambling and this and that. I was like, for me, I don’t want to become that person, so I need professional help.
“I think it took a bit of bravery, to be honest, to realise that as strong as I feel that my mind is at times, you also can speak. Even just speaking was a great help.”
Wilson, who is out of contract this summer, hopes his decision to speak out can encourage others to seek help.
He said: “It’s just taking that first step. It’s not a weakness. Sometimes you’ve got to show that bravery and not feel like you’ve lost just by going to speak to somebody.”
