FORMER England cricket star Ryan Sidebottom has revealed ending his career made him sink into a 'deep, dark hole' as he battled anxiety. 

Here the ex-bowler tells Tom Roddy how The Sun's You're Not Alone campain can help sport stars like him through tough times.

Ryan Sidebottom runs his fingers along the beads of a bracelet on his wrist.

“Love you, Daddy,” reads the message created by his two children.

It is a simple message but one that has meant a lot to the former cricketer over the toughest 12 months of his life.

Sidebottom has struggled since he called time on his 20-year career last September.

The 40-year-old left-arm bowler retired with 79 wickets in 22 Tests, a T20 World Cup title and five County Championship titles at Yorkshire and Notts.

Yet today he talks for the first time about the mental problems he is battling.

Sidebottom strides into the room wearing flip-flops, skinny jeans and a flowing shirt. His distinctive curly red mane adds a rock ’n’ roll air. He looks fresh and healthy — but appearances can be deceptive.

Panic started coursing through his veins from the moment his career and marriage came to an end at the same time.

The Yorkshireman revealed: “It’s like a deep, dark hole that gets deeper and darker.

YOU’RE NOT ALONE

EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost – to suicide.

It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.

It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.

Yet, it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.

That is why The Sun has launched the You're Not Alone campaign. To remind anyone facing a tough time, grappling with mental illness or feeling like there's nowhere left to turn, that there is hope.

To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, over the course of this week, we will tell you the stories of brave survivors, relatives left behind, heroic Good Samaritans – and share tips from mental health experts.

The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.

Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others. You're Not Alone.

For a list of support services available, please see the Where To Get Help box below.

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