Snooker Player Mark Allen Shares Mental Health Affirmations After Clinic Stay

Snooker player Mark Allen has expressed gratitude for fan support following his public disclosure of mental health challenges. The 40-year-old athlete revealed he spent ten weeks in a mental health clinic, an experience that led him to consider quitting the sport.

Allen, a former world number one, spoke about his struggles after a first-round defeat at the Northern Ireland Open, stating that he was dealing with internal 'problems' and was primarily focused on 'surviving.' His candid comments on TNT Sports prompted widespread concern, leading Allen to post a statement on social media acknowledging he was 'not OK' but in a better place.

Following his initial statement, Allen took to social media again to share his commitment to recovery and his appreciation for the supportive messages he received. "Completely overwhelmed by all the messages I have received since my statement," Allen wrote. "As I continue my treatment and my recovery now I know that I simply have to raise more awareness around mental health in the future."

He added that he anticipates being in a better place within six weeks, in time for the UK Championships, but emphasized that recovery is a day-by-day process. "Thanks again for all your support. It’s meant so so much to myself and my family," he stated.

As part of his recovery, Allen shared two handwritten notes containing 'positive affirmations' that he practices daily. "I do these every morning with a cup of tea out of my positive mindset cup. Been doing this for 2 months now. You don’t have to believe it all at the start!!! It’ll come," he explained.

The notes detail aspects of life for which he is grateful, moments that brought him happiness, and qualities he attributes to himself. Among his gratitudes are "my health" and "Harleigh (his nine-year-old daughter) being my shining light." A "nice dinner with my parents and Harleigh" was cited as a happy moment from the previous day.

The affirmations list includes self-reminders such as "I am a good dad," "a good person," "loyal," and "enjoying living in the present." He also wrote, "I am deserving of love," "I am not my mistakes," and "I am not a failure - I have failed at times." Additional affirmations included "I am strong," "I am brave," "I am a good friend," and "I am OK just being."

Allen's return to competition in Belfast last week was his first match since May. His emotional interview following a 4-2 loss to fellow Northern Irishman Jordan Brown suggested a potential hiatus from the sport. Allen indicated that playing his compatriot and friend was a fitting way to potentially conclude his career.

"I just don't see a future with snooker in it, if I'm honest," he said, attributing his struggles to internal issues. "It's sad to say, because it's all I've loved to do since I was 12 but the last few months have been really difficult and it's put snooker into perspective for me. At the minute I'm just trying to survive."

Allen's past six years have included bankruptcy in January 2021, after he reportedly spent his £3.5 million career prize money. This financial difficulty was linked to his divorce from his ex-wife Kyla McGuigan, with whom he shares his daughter Harleigh. Allen also has a daughter with former girlfriend and fellow snooker player Reanne Evans. He remarried last year, tying the knot with Sara Herald.