Celebrity Traitors star and former rugby player Joe Marler has bravely revealed that he has turned to therapy and medication again after struggling with his mental health in recent weeks. The 35-year-old shared his experience in a candid video posted on Instagram, admitting that despite his recent success, he still battles anxiety.
Marler's Emotional Confession
When asked when he last cried, Marler said: "It was about two weeks ago, I had a complete and utter meltdown. Things had gotten a little bit cloudy again, and I just had a proper cry out and chatted it out with my missus, and then we were like, right, we've got to finally get on top of this, go back to therapy, and get back on the meds, and that is the truth." He added that since "bawling his eyes out," he has "started to try and work my way through it since."
Marler has been open about his mental health struggles in the past, including during his rugby career. He emphasized the importance of discussing difficult topics like mental health and suicide alongside lighter subjects to reduce discomfort.
Finding Happiness in Family
On a more positive note, Marler said he feels happiest when his four children are playing around him in the garden. He explained: "The whole thing of that I'm going through at the minute is what does keep me afloat. What is my purpose? What does make me happy? What is my identity? What's the point? And my wife's like, what do you mean? Like, let's be more specific. You've got four gorgeous kids, that's the point."
He described watching his two boys play football together and his two girls engaged in imaginary play at the playhouse, saying: "I'm sitting there, and I'm just watching them without care in a world, no other thought, and that's what keeps me afloat."
Open Conversations About Mental Health
Marler recently attended a charity golf day but left after his round because his anxiety became overwhelming. He stressed the need for honesty about emotions, stating: "You can side step it, but equally, why? Because I'm sure there's loads of people that also feel the same. You can still have a laugh alongside talking about your mental health and serious stuff."
He was speaking to John 'Fenners' Fendley on his online media channel Lifejacket. The interview took place during a training session for ITV's Soccer Aid, where Marler played as a goalkeeper in the second half. The match raised over £16 million for UNICEF, a record-breaking amount. England won 3-2, with goals from Jermain Defoe and Damson Idris.
Past Struggles
Marler has previously spoken about suffering from depression, even at the peak of his rugby success. He described crying on the way to training and playing in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final while taking anti-depressants. In a 2020 interview, he said: "There's always that danger, but I'm far more equipped to deal with it. I'm far more educated from both a biological and emotional point of view. I'm no mental health expert but I feel a lot better talking about it."
If you are struggling with mental health, you can speak to a trained advisor from Mind on 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk.
