Mark Selby opens up on his battle with depression | Eurosport Snooker

Watch Mark Selby open up about his battle with depression in an exclusive interview at the Eurosport studio.
News and coverage from the #1 sports destination and the #HomeofSnooker in Europe. Watch Eurosport anytime, anywhere via: bit.ly/3boIVvd
We bring you some of the biggest sports events in the world, such as World Snooker Championships, Northern Ireland Open, Champion of Champions Snooker, UK Championship, Scottish Open, World Grand Prix, Masters Snooker, Shoot Out, Players Championship, German Masters, Welsh Open, European Masters, Gibraltar Open, amongst so many more.
Do you want to see more? Subscribe now to watch Eurosport anytime, anywhere: bit.ly/3boIVvd
Follow us on:
KZbin: goo.gl/o9rbKg
Facebook: goo.gl/jMfLNR
Twitter: goo.gl/jxT1fY
Instagram: bit.ly/2TOtykZ

[@hudsonsoul1121]

Mental Health really is misunderstood. This man has everything and has depression, me on the other hand im a 47 year old singleton and have been for 6 years, skint as in £100 in my account, can't afford a car, in debt up to my eye balls, rent a room and have been for 3 years, in a low paid job where I'm over qualified, recovering from covid for 3 months and last but not least l own a bent broken cue but oddly enough I'm happy.

[@kaleem9652]

Don't know why but this comment just put a smile on my face, thanks for that and stay happy

[@hudsonsoul1121]

Well I've definitely felt the same as you in the past but you need to find a hobby or two and get yourself out and put your worries aside which can be hard but it gives you something to look forward too. Everyone messes up in life and l did big time but now you gotta move on from that. Best of luck to you.

[@louiem2]

Hope it gets better for you @hudsonsoul👍

[@Paulhanratty885]

@Shane Davies me too👍

[@Mike-1000]

Nice one ..... you have a sort of wealth that money can't buy.

[@oldskoolfool141]

Depression's a beast, whatever you feel about his style (and I've been one to moan about it many times) show a little compassion to your fellow man, chin up fella

[@craigmorgan4676]

Just shake it off bro,ure British, stiff upper lip and all!🤯🤔🤯👁👀👁🤔🤯

[@R-Tap]

@@craigmorgan4676 depression isn't a hangover

[@Dessienewshoes]

Chin up fella? That doesn't help much

[@imranarif6905]

Mark Selby shouldn't have anything to worry about or to get depressed by. He has achieved far more than what any professional snooker player can dream of. He is four times World Champion, has won multiple ranking titles, he has entertained us alot by proving the toughest nail n the hardest nut for the most talented player to grace the game, Ronnie. He has beaten Ronnie multiple times in final of ranking events n hasn't been beaten even once by Ronnie in a ranking title. Out of four of his World Champion titles, he has got three to beat former World Champions n two by beating two of the all time greats, Ronnie and John Higgins. Boy, you r amazing! No matter what your haters , pro-Ronnie supporters say about your game. You will be remembered as all time greats even if you retire today. Period!

[@R-Tap]

@@imranarif6905 all that is correct, however, it has nothing to do with Depression.

[@omegaman6494]

Beautiful wife, beautiful daughter, millions in the bank, the Crucible trophy on his mantelpiece. If someone like Mark can struggle, anyone can. Wish him nothing but the best.

[@Andy713uk]

His is a quality snooker player and way less arrogant compared to Ronny.

[@peaktongtan9768]

Every snookers players also suffer depression, because Ronnie still playing and they can't beat him easily😂

[@brentryder5902]

@Grass coward gay Irish drunk bum loser Woods are you broken? You said in another comment that he's better than Ronnie and one of the all time greats ... And then everyone clap after you made him cry ....Also why would someone cry after being told they couldn't hack it on the streets as a junkie? Like that's something that someone would have dreams or aspirations of achieving. Being told he wasn't good enough to ever be champ or good enough to be pro at all might put a damper on his day but I don't think being told he couldn't make it as a homeless drug addict would really upset him terribly.

[@mrjibrhanjamalkhan2144]

@@peaktongtan9768 "every" are you simple, and piss off

[@lonemountain3049]

@@peaktongtan9768 😂

[@Neilo1147]

Would love to play one snooker shot as good as this man. We are lucky to have Selby and O'Sullivan. Many others too. They have their struggles (we all do ).Its almost a game that fuels depression - it is so frustrating. A fraction of an inch off can be the difference between winning and losing or feeling good or bad about yourself. Hope they realize they are all amazing. Hope they all find the peace they deserve.

[@killekillekille1]

Very, very well said!

[@stewartmcrae8007]

very well said i completely agree with your comment you are right about it fueling depression all of that time spent alone in a room practicing can't be good for you and if you are putting all of that effort in and not achieving positive results on the match table then it must be terribly frustrating plus when you factor in the personal problems that he has experienced too then it is no wonder that everything got on top of him

[@oldmanc2]

Lovely worded post mate- completely agree

[@goofe.washington953]

Mark Selby HAS helped a lot of people with his disclosure that he suffers with depression. Good thoughts his way….there are many, many people who support him fully as he works his way through this. I am one of them.

[@jackhinson4743]

For a player renowned for his mental toughness to be struggling like this just shows that anyone can be susceptible depression. I've never been his biggest fan but really hope he can recover fully.

[@VoiceOfThe]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2XZmGqamJujd6c Depression isn’t real.

[@ryanredversmusic]

Selby has gained a new fan in me - fair play for being so open and there’s a lot of what he is saying that I resonate with. Great role model he is ❤️

[@ukhilali7418]

Wish him nothing but the best.. stay strong 💪..

[@babbaruff1045]

Depression is so deeply painful, no one can understand unless they've been through it. All the very best to Mark and anyone struggling 🤗💖

[@nostradamusus]

Stay strong, champ.

[@blackporscheroadster6415]

He's a great guy and gentleman. A class act on and off the table. His depression stems from his childhood. He grew up in a broken home in a rough part of Leicester and his Father died early in his life. I had it even worse. My mother was schizophrenic and would often beat me. My father brought us up on his own. We also lived in a working class depressing town. It was, however, not quite as bad as Mark's home. These things give you strength and character. It's why he is a world champion. It makes you want to better yourself and gives you drive and ambition.

[@andynulty8686]

Massive respect to Mark for taking the time to do this interview, hoping he picks up soon, depression is a horrible, horrible thing.

[@longjohnsilver146]

Big respect to anyone being really and being open & vulnerable. I hope he gets better and wish him all the best - Much love Mark 🥰

[@K989u6]

Best wishes for Selby. May he recovers from the depression asap

[@martinlee6536]

A brave thing to open up like you've done, I don't think you can ever underestimate the power of talking about how you feel. I know this will have also helped others going through the same. I wish you all the best, it sounds like you've got an amazing wife who knows you well.

[@zlatkoostojic2455]

Much respect for Mr. Selby! Wish him all the best!!! Always has the aura of a very nice person.

[@mattfairbanks7621]

Such a strong guy for even saying it. Topguy and hope you're okay soon.

[@mmaphilosophy]

Mark Selby is a legend and still world number one. Hope he beats this.

[@iannovak5223]

Chimaev vs Colby right now who wins?

[@mmaphilosophy]

@@iannovak5223 Well we haven't seen Chimaev against elite fighters yet so at this point it's just a wild guess with no evidence. If you ask me this question after the Gilbert Burns fight I'll have a much better understanding of him at this level. But so far he has looked unreal.

[@mmaphilosophy]

@@iannovak5223 Plus style's make fights. We know Chimaev can take Burns down easily but question is, will he want to take a guy with Burns high level BJJ skills down. His work with Till is gonna be hugely beneficial for his stand up, so he might just KO Burns on the feet. If I was forced right now to choose between him vs Colby, I'd probably pick Chimaev in a 3 round and Colby in a 5 round but that's just a wild guess. If Chimaev goes in and schools Burns then I'd pick Chimaev to beat Colby in a 5 round also. But we'll see

[@mmaphilosophy]

@@iannovak5223 Chimaev vs Usman will be fun if he does get past Burns and then beats Colby

[@iannovak5223]

@@mmaphilosophy So you pick Chimaev over Kamaru if he beats burns like he beat Li? Cause I am.

[@BatesonBen]

Thanks Mark. This would be the longest I've listened to you, because theres a lot of simarlies between you and what I've recently gone through, I was captivated. Wish you all the best mate, Snooker is a better sport because of sportsmen, competitors and personalities like you in it, Benny from Down Under

[@carlosdeno]

I wouldn’t know this young man if he walked past me in the street. However, what an honest man he is, depression and the dark dog is horrendous, he looks so tired. I wish him all the best and hope he can overcome the demon, its a hard and there are so many who suffer in silence.

[@RaghavShekhar07]

You got this Mark. You are loved. Stay strong,

[@damianleah6744]

Fantastic he is talking about it, thank you Mark for highlighting this issue. Depression is absolutely debilitating and horrible.

[@kevintierney1217]

Just goes to show no matter how successful and rich a person becomes depression can arrive at the door thank you Mark Selby for being vulnerable and strong and shining a light 💙

[@bigscrounger]

He's a legend coming out with this. It will help many people who watch this. Depression is a real illness and can properly mess up lives ..

[@thomasryan4124]

Mark Selby is a absolute genius on the snooker table and a gentleman off it being someone myself who has suffered with severe depression for years i wish Mark and vicki well in this regard

[@ayyazshah6430]

you have always been an inspiration for me Mayn --- Lots of prayers for you. Stay strong Mark!

[@Jaaskelainen1993]

He's looked down for years. Hope he gets better.

[@dougthatcher3521]

Bravo, Mark. My regard for you and your life was just elevated greatly.

[@martinlilly]

Fair play for raising awareness of the issue. I hope it will help you and others get through whatever it is they are going through.

[@JamesHoughton-bh4qj]

Fair play to mark for opening up about his struggle with depression! It’s not about money or fame it’s a terrible illness and can affect anyone at anytime. Respect to mark and his family. One day at a time…

[@JM-kn7nr]

There’s love for you as a family man and a stellar snooker professional. Stay strong and work through it. All the best, Mark Selby.

[@ibellchristian9773]

Mark went through trauma when he was younger and climbed so many obstacles and to be a five time world champion is an unbelievable achievement. We love you Mark and stay strong 💙

[@professorhojo7205]

Four time world champion

[@craigsimons817]

You can see the sadness and despair in his eyes. Stay strong Mark, keep up your fight.

[@alizon5061]

Bon courage Mark. Tu vas t’en sortir très vite. Un supporter français qui te suis depuis très longtemps

[@queenbestgroupever761]

He will get more support now. Its good to talk about this. Respect man!

[@jasonblais1667]

so much respect for Mark to talk about this. it always surprises me to hear of successful people who suffer from depression. i tend to think they shouldn’t go together but they can.

[@bramjanssens9996]

Just disgusting to read some of the harsh or just stupid comments here.. Mental illness can occur to any individual, no matter rich or successfull or poor or whatever.. I've seen it with a very close relative, and I can say it's hard to see someone suffer.. So if you wish the best for Mark, support him, if you think he has no reason or right to feel depressed, keep it to yourself..

[@alexyitkeong]

Yes it's really disgusting how cold people can be. Selby achieved No. 1 ranking despite him battling with depression whereas people like me that have been suffering depression for more than 10 years accomplished nothing. It's so hard to keep on living with depression for years. Now i understand why he's a slow player, i would do the same 😔

[@blackporscheroadster6415]

They are just thick and ignorant. They live among us. Everywhere.

[@leeclarke4639]

Good on you Mark opening up about your difficult times would be happy to chat as I've suffered alot of years with the same, all the best wishes. Lee

[@ruben91]

Practised with Mark in our junior days Different class on and off the table!

[@ZakkAttack605]

Always liked him, after Hendry he is my favorite, great player honestly think he is one of the best ever and seeing him openly talk about mental health and taking steps to improve it spreading a message to millions is inspiring ❤ he and everyone out there can do it !!

[@gemmabryden4864]

I can vouch for Mark After the death of my mum in 2007 when I was 24 I suffered with depression myself but my good friends out me out big time and when you have strong rocks you get back on your feet again.Mark has a very supportive wife.

[@bsg75husker]

fully supporting ya Mark/ wishing you all the best..

[@adamleckius2253]

So great and encouraging to watch. More famous/successful men coming out with mental health issues would be a fantastic thing, I think it so often is something we bottle up completely. I'm coming to terms with similar issues myself. We men should really speak more with each other as well about our feelings and thoughts.

[@VINNIEJONES10]

As someone that suffers myself and plays the game, I know how much it can’t affect just that! But to be a pro and it affecting your livelihood must be horrible. As for coming out and saying it, I have so much respect for that. Get well soon Mark. You’ll beat the beast

[@gav25x]

Good luck to him, seems like a nice genuine guy

[@paulelliott3056]

Takes courage to open up about this stuff, kudos to you Mark. And you ain't alone mate, loads of people suffer with the black dog. Good on you for opening up and for getting some care and treatment. All the best

[@mikekavalerchik5226]

You've been blessed with the competative spirit and a will to win like very few have. Take the time to appreciate that. A lot of people will be envious and resentful of you having that. Ignore them, it's draining on your soul. Be aware of that and form a conscious shield against it

[@beastgamer0043]

Hoppas att du blir bra snart! Under åren har jag sett att alla snookerspelare har varit rädda att mötta dig .kom tillbaks och skräm ihjäl dem !

[@dean8552]

I've got a serious mental health condition , over 30 yrs now ,with heavy medication it's OK, the worst thing about mental health is nobody can see it . Finding the right medication is key to managing it . Total respect to mark for telling us ,he's more than half way to full recovery , you have to release it , if you don't it will eat you away . Good luck Mark 👍 you should be proud of yourself for telling us 👏 👍

[@jor-elfathertokl.superman]

I feel your pain pal i lost my dad afew months ago and afew other things its not easy m8. Hope you get better m8. 👍

[@andrewbell7579]

@@greaser7765 fs man don't be a prat.

[@greaser7765]

Apologies

[@carlgrant4508]

Love Selby ❤️ abit of man love... Great player ... it's good to talk 😊

[@markpocock3166]

Best wishes hope you recover from ur problems soon

[@rehanaumerji6257]

❤the man really has everything

[@vr_gamers8116]

Power to your elbow Mark, you're an Icon in World Snooker and I wish nothing but the best for you and your family. Get well soon Champ.

[@dlewis6207]

Well done for talking about it mark. Depression is a horrible thing I know. Good luck buddy 🙂

[@rexahdar4199]

Respect. Kia Kaha. Persevere Mark. You can get through this.

[@casperstubebox927]

Mark Selby I've recently been diagnosed with Borderline personality disorder hence nothing in my life and lost all my family and friends because of it. Im now living in a hostel giving up everything I had in life except my puppy Casper. If I didn't have him I wouldn't be here now as I know he needs me to survive and I need him.... your a great guy with loved ones.... PLEASE don't end up like me mate....

[@jamesbean2591]

Mark, wishing you all the best for you and your family....

[@user-cf3zb4xx4o]

well done mark! I wish you all the best

[@rikgay857]

Best wishes mark👍👍

[@doraemon402]

From personal experience, forget about the meds. Even if they sort of help, they f*ck you up in a lot of other ways. You need people to talk to and who will listen, you need to open up and go through the issues.

[@mentilly_all]

This comment wins.

[@blackporscheroadster6415]

I would recommend Indian herbs. Mainstream meds are not the answer.

[@khuramsy6563]

Stay strong champ.. Life is good.

[@FB-FILMS]

Good luck Mark, You are a great person.

[@danieljamesmead]

Probably fair to say I’ve not been Selby’s biggest fan over the years, quite sobering to hear him talk like this. Good luck to him, hope he finds some peace.

[@Burtonupontrentrailwaystoday]

Take a day at a time Mark it gets easier big respect to you

[@hendrikheemels8615]

I'm not a fan of his game, but I have sympathy for him as a human being, because I know how tough depression is. He is a fighter, so he will prevail.

[@shanesteve]

God Bless Mark hope you get better soon

[@Dat-yi4iz]

Money success means nothing if depression gets you only people who have got it will relate to what he saying brave to tell all because even now people do judge you for it

[@kjbennie9245]

Selby a 4 time world champion. Yes his style can be arguably difficult to watch but hes a true champion!! Takes guts to open up about depression and mental issues. Hes good in my books. Hope he bounces back

[@maineroad7429]

All the best Mark I hope your are on the mend. .

[@yankorusev]

You have to admire his honesty

[@thewholecity]

Well done Mark. Love you.

[@jasellorente2733]

Seeing a psychotherapist is the best thing he could do, understanding why hes thinking and feeling his depression will help him to get better. Stay strong champ

[@Abnsdllnnlosnfd]

Thank God he hasn´t faced Peter Ebdon lately. He would have had plenty of time for negative thoughts sitting in his chair (while waiting for Peter to make a break-off shot). He could have easily committed suicide by now! No seriously. Get well, Mark! I´ve been suffering from depression for decades and it really sucks!

[@UnkSpec]

I think it helps other players and average blokes alike when somebody who appears to be on the winning side of life speaks of his demons, trouble to look ahead and how they had to fight to get back on track. So thanks Mark for showing us this side of things, make us feel better when we feel down.

[@wontonsupernoodles2239]

Keep your head up mark mate 👍

[@Smudgie]

Depression takes the joy out of everything. Even the joy of being world champ will be very short-lived. Sometimes it's the simple things in life that ultimately bring more pleasure.

[@cloudstrife206]

Not easy to talk about so fair play to Mark

[@SuperChalkster]

i get depressed, i feel down now. but i can handle depression, its the anxiety that comes with it that kills me, but i refuse medication because with me it seems to come and go in waves, i can have 6 months or more living perfectly normal untill i have another episode.

[@ibrarali9369]

I always knew thus about him. I could see it a mile away. I will say though it's probably made him a better player. I know that sounds strange but I think when your clinically depressed you dig deeper in yourself which can lead to more success. Just my two cents. Hope he gets better.

[@BrigateRosse-lo5ml]

Snooker needs you. The world needs your testimony (as a public figure) for this cursed disease. GO Mark.🥰

[@jb894]

Hope he gets better.

[@iplanes1]

Kia kaha Mark. We all need help sometimes and you are no different. Have a bit of New Zealand Sunshine. Tiaki koe kia noho haumaru (look after yourself and stay safe).

[@rexahdar4199]

Malo lava bro...great comment

[@Taylor___]

It's all in your head! Hope it's better nowadays

[@wad6216]

Always liked mark he just seems real, a true greatest of all time too and still going strong. Makes me laugh when he gets some negative opinions on his game. When in good flow and form he is one of the most attacking players the game as ever seen. He just uses his B game sometimes to win. I love the tactical game he plays when he is digging in. Only the Ronnie fans do this and try to pan him. Ronnie Vs Selby is the best match up I have seen ever in snooker, like a Djokovic V's Federer. I always hope they will meet in a big final.

[@DanielGomez-le5wo]

They should do sit-ups where the upper part of the abdomen is worked, with the legs raised and trying to touch the feet with the hands and its variants that work the upper part of the abdomen, they will see improvements quickly. That upper abdominal exercise will take away your depression and anxiety, it will also heal your mind..

[@selhurt]

Keep going son, good diet, CBT, not caring what other think about you , exercise, intermittent fasting and medication helps. Also the belief in a higher Power can help, but not being hard in yourself is the best form of self love ❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏. Relating my personal experience

[@brendanclarke8393]

Top man mark

[@clownworld5474]

World number 1, but suffering with depression - quite an achievement. Guy has everything you could want in life but still unhappy - he has the resources to do literally anything, but still doesn't know what brings him joy. brains are strange.

[@user-1wy8wu01]

I was hating on the guy for so long, just to find out that he's a good lad having a bad time :/ Been there, buddy. Just think of all the positive stuff around you and avoid the dark places, don't give in to negativity!

[@geraldwilliamson3478]

Brave. 👏👏👏👍👍👍

[@PM-fs2eg]

Has anyone of the other pros reached out to him?

[@colinblake9168]

Medication and tablets just mask it and often the side effects make you worse/out of character, exercise and fresh air help alot I find, all the best mark

[@gamingmadforever6363]

Don't like the guy but 100%hope he gets through this. Depression is evil ...but we can he can get through this

[@tariqmahmood2263]

Health is the biggest wealth 😊

[@ianwilliamson2980]

Hope he gets better.its not good these mental health problems.

[@christophercoulter7782]

Snooker depression would be shocking. The pressure to perform is out of this world tough and Selby is probably only a handful in the whole entire effin world that battles it like a soldier going to war. Even when ppl say play your game and purely focus on that, it's still almost impossible when there's someone else that has reached near the top and is playing out of their skins. That's why Selby is so damn good because you don't see him coming until he dominates you, regardless of the fact he has been suffering. So yeah I see Selby as one of the toughest sportsmen in the world. I don't think the media help sometimes. They are bloody everywhere and annoying

[@vasilijeboskovic5948]

I would be depressed too if I were taking 3 minutes for every shot. Just kidding, snooker aside, hope he is getting better of course.

[@neilwilliams4420]

🤣

[@dublinsfaircity]

I know men with depression but they have all got shitty lives with addiction (drugs or gambling) no money, no partners, living a hellish life. I can understand why they would be depressed. I've lost two friends to suicide. While Selby suffers from depression i really don't think it's anywhere near as bad as similiar people who have lost everything and have nothing. It has to be easier for him with no money worries and a nice home who can afford the best councillors and psychotherapists. I hope he gets better and keeps it under control but i cant help thinking of the people i know and all the homeless addicts here in Dublin who have the most broken horrible lives and that's where i see the worst of addiction and desperation.

[@seaniek9175]

I often wonder where is the line between depression and feeling down. I think alot of people have bad days or bad weeks but dont regard it as depression . I find exercise is great and having good friends . Never found professional help as in talking to a professional much help. I suppose for everyone else the advice is be kind to people cause you never know what's going on in their head.