The truth behind the "Stresscothick" affair and why sportsmen reflect society

Bat and ball / Frank Gregan / 08 September 2008 / Leave a Comment

As Frank Gregan finished the last few pages of Trescothick's book on his well-documented illness, he took time out to reflect on the pressures of being an international sportsman and why Trescothick really had no choice in calling time on England.

The mystery surrounding Marcus Trescothick's self imposed exile from the international stage has been lifted with the publication of his autobiography, 'Coming Back to Me.' The term 'stress related illness' was often used to describe the England opener's condition leaving supporters debating just what was wrong with him. It turns out, as is often the case, 'stress related illness' was a euphemism for depression, a condition not visible to the naked eye.

Trescothick has decided to put the record straight and tell his side of the story. Speaking of his motive for writing the book he said, "It's just to get it out in the open - there have been so many questions left unanswered and I've not helped that process. But this is my opportunity and I hope people can understand why I did a few things I did."

One in four adults in the United Kingdom will suffer from some sort of mental health issue during the course of this year and mixed anxiety and depression (which is what Trescothick suffers from) is the most common mental disorder. The illness is treatable and part of that treatment is to exercise control prior to the event. That is to say if stress triggers anxiety and depression then stress has to be avoided. Trescothick's stress levels are enhanced when he tours therefore in order to avoid the anxiety and depression he needs to avoid touring.

As an international cricketer that is impossible and the scenario of him only competing in home matches is not viable, team players at the highest level cannot pick and choose their matches. He has had to sacrifice his international career but has been able to continue playing domestically. "It's not worth the hassle of making me poorly. But in England I can travel for three weeks away at a time because you know that you are a maximum of three hours away from home. And after a long hard day at Taunton I can go home and put the kids to bed and that means so much to me."

It's very difficult to comprehend how someone with so much talent can be affected by the demons from within. It's easy to come to the conclusion that he has been weak and really should just 'pull himself together' and optimise his god given talent. The opposite is true; he has not been weak but incredibly strong.

Sportsmen reflect society, if one in four adults in the UK use drugs, have an alcohol problem or suffer from asthma then one in four sportsmen will suffer the same condition. Invariably though the condition will prevent the sportsman from reaching the top of the pile. A few manage it, Gary Mabbut was a diabetic, Asa Hartford had a hole in the heart and Paul McGrath had alcohol problems. Marcus Trescothick was able to open the batting for England whilst suffering from anxiety and depression which is quite an achievement.

Because there are no physical symptoms there will always be the doubting Thomas's that believe that Trescothick's condition is psychosomatic. If proof were needed to the contrary it can be found in his position in relation to his participation in the lucrative IPL. "The IPL runs for six weeks and it wouldn't be possible to take the family there. I wouldn't be prepared to take my little girl there, she's just starting school."

Cricketers all over the globe are falling over themselves in an effort to get involved in the money spinning Twenty20 events. Not Marcus Trescothick, when it comes to a choice between health and wealth he knows which is most important.