Snooker Star Mark Allen Discloses 10-Week Mental Health Clinic Stay

Snooker player Mark Allen has disclosed that he spent the last 10 weeks in a mental health clinic, opening up about his situation in an emotional interview following his return to the sport.

Speaking after his first-round defeat at the Northern Ireland Open, Allen, 40, told TNT Sports that he is "just trying to survive" due to "problems within," suggesting his career might be nearing its end. The Northern Irishman, who was once ranked world No. 1, appeared close to tears and received comfort from interviewer Rachel Casey. He indicated that playing one last time at the Waterfront in Belfast, where his career began in 2005, against a close friend, felt like a fitting way to "sign out."

Following the interview, Allen posted a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday morning, confirming the truth of his words and reassuring fans that he is working to improve his situation. "I have been in a mental health clinic for the last 10 weeks, finally discharging so I could attempt to play in Belfast," he wrote. Allen stated he owed this to his daughter, his fans, and World Snooker, particularly CEO Simon Brownell and Players' Chief Operating Officer Neil Tomkins, who he said had been supportive, with Brownell even visiting him at the clinic.

"I’m not OK, but I’m OK in that itself," Allen continued. "I’ve been much worse in the last few months than you saw yesterday. I literally didn’t see a future in anything... My daughter kept me going, the therapists, staff and all the other patients were amazing and helped me through some really dark days."

He expressed a newfound sense of hope, stating, "I see the light now that I couldn’t see before but I do now. I also know it won’t happen overnight. I’m a work in progress!!! My fight and determination on the table has always been there to see. I need to show those same fighting qualities off it now for a while."

Allen praised his opponent and friend Jordan Brown, who defeated him 4-2. He noted that Brown was aware of his struggles and handled the match with "grace and skill." Allen hopes the rest of the tournament is successful and plans to continue his treatments. He expressed gratitude for the messages of support he has received, which have helped him immensely.

Allen had previously remained private about his time away from the tour. In recent years, he has faced bankruptcy and a divorce, which coincided with a significant weight loss. He reiterated that he doesn't see a future with snooker in it, acknowledging that while it's what he has loved since age 12, the past few months have provided a new perspective.

In 2021, Allen declared bankruptcy, admitting he had overspent his career earnings of £3.5 million. He cited excessive spending in all aspects of his life, including purchasing vehicles and homes beyond his means. In 2016, he had previously detailed how taxes, expenses, and bills reduced his average annual profit from earnings over 12 years to approximately £6,500.

His divorce from Kyla McGuigan in May 2020, after seven years of marriage, also impacted his financial situation. They share a daughter, Harleigh, born in 2017.

Allen also has a daughter, Lauren, with former girlfriend and fellow snooker player Reanne Evans. Their three-year relationship ended in 2008. Tensions between them have been public, including an incident at the 2021 British Open where Evans refused to shake hands before their match. Allen had also previously complained about Evans causing a distraction while he was practicing at the World Championships, leading to her removal from the room.

Allen remarried Sarah Herald last year. In recent years, he has also focused on his health, losing five stone. This lifestyle change was influenced by advice from snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan and a close friend, who warned him about the potential consequences of his previous habits.

"I'm happier in my appearance. I don't want to do bad things to myself when I look in the mirror," Allen stated in September 2022, detailing his weight loss from 19.1 stone to 14 stone 10lbs. He adopted a disciplined approach, significantly reducing carbohydrates and focusing on high-protein, high-fat foods.