Charity Offers to Meet McClean Over 'Therapy Is Weak' Comments — SkimNews
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- James McClean told the Sunday Independent he views speaking to a psychologist as 'weak' and has never tried therapy, saying 'as a man, I would see that as a weakness. I don't need to open up.'
- Men's Action Network, a Londonderry-based men's mental health charity, offered to meet McClean through spokesperson Michael Lynch to discuss encouraging men to feel comfortable seeking support.
- Lynch acknowledged McClean is 'entitled to his views' because 'men's mental health is such a complex issue,' but said 'asking for help isn't a sign of weakness' and that recognizing the need for support is 'incredibly brave.'
- McClean made the remarks during a wide-ranging interview about his new book, which details the social media abuse he has faced for refusing to wear a poppy, as well as death threats he has received.
- McClean's wife told the interviewer he had 'built-up anger and frustration' he had blocked out, while his brother Patrick, also a Derry City player, was heard by McClean on a call with a club psychologist.
- McClean, 37, has earned 103 caps for the Republic of Ireland but is currently not playing for Derry City amid a contract dispute he has called 'one of the most difficult periods of his life.'
Why it matters: With McLean publicly describing the past months as 'one of the most difficult periods of his life' while his wife flagged blocked-up anger and his brother already engages a club psychologist, the charity is directing its outreach at a role model whose stated views could either entrench or, if changed, dismantle stigma among young men in Derry.
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