I Suffered from Anxiety for a Year and a Half, This is the Secret to Recovery

Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo revealed his struggles with mental health over the past period, confirming that psychological pressures had accumulated for more than a year and a half, which led to his feeling of anxiety that later turned into depression. He added that this phase made it difficult for him to play football as required.

Araujo said: “I have been suffering for a long time, perhaps more than a year and a half, from a feeling of mental discomfort. I tried to be strong and continue, but I felt like I was no longer myself. The day of the expulsion against Chelsea was a turning point when I realized I needed to ask for help.”

He continued: “The support I received from the club, colleagues, and specialists was essential. I worked with psychological specialists and my family supported me spiritually, which helped me a lot to become a different person and be able to enjoy what I love, which is playing football.”

He added: “The experience I gained during this time made me see things from another perspective. I now feel happy and comfortable, and I can focus better on my level on and off the field.”

Araujo concluded his statements by saying: “We are human beings before being football players. Not everything is about money or fame; there are feelings and personal life that we must care about. I thank everyone who supported me during this phase, as this helped me return to the best version of myself.”