AARON LENNON
'Stress-related illness'
INTRODUCTION - AARON LENNON
In March 2017 Aaron Lennon was detained under the Mental Health Act.
On the Sunday afternoon his team Everton were playing on Merseyside while Lennon was spotted walking near a motor way in Greater Manchester.
Everton later released a press statement revealing that Lennon was suffering from a 'stress-related illness' and was receiving psychiatric treatment. He missed the end of the 2016-17 season.
Lennon returned to Everton's pre-season action and has since transferred to Burnley where he continues to play.
Further, he has actively supported mental health promotion.
TIMELINE
From 30th April 2017 - 10th July 2017
30TH APRIL 2017
'30-year-old man' detained and hospitalised under Mental Health Act
2ND MAY 2017
Everton release press statement identifying Aaron Lennon, rferring to a 'Stress-related illness'.
4TH MAY 2017
Ronald Koeman's Swanseapre-match press conference repeats prior information. No exact timeframe for return given. Promises long-term support from club
11TH MAY 2017
Ronald Koeman's Watford pre-match press conference (penultimate match of season). No questions about Aaron Lennon. Koeman 'lists' Lennon among those unavailable due to injury.
3RD JULY 2017
Everton release online live pictures of players under-going pre-season fitness tests. Pictures of Lennon with team-mates included. No official comment or announcements (e.g. no accompanying captions or text).
10TH JULY 2017
Aaron Lennon posts tweet from own account (@AaronLennon12). Expresses thanks for support to range of parties.
APPROX. 10TH JULY 2017
Ronald Koeman's first pre-season press conference. Questioned about Lennon's return. Mentions Lennon's "hard time" and his gradual return to physical fitness.
MEDIA COVERAGE
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: ‘Police were called at around 4.35pm on Sunday, April 30, 2017 to reports of a concern for the welfare of a man. Officers attended and a 30-year-old man was detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act and was taken to hospital for assessment.’
As reported in the Manchester Evening News on Tuesday 2 May 2017
On Tuesday [2 May 2017] Everton issued a statement which said: ‘Aaron Lennon is currently receiving care and treatment for a stress-related illness. The club is supporting him through this and his family has appealed for privacy at this time.’
A further statement posted on Twitter on Wednesday morning [3 May 2017] added: “Thank you for all the kind messages for Aaron. We are supporting him through this and his family has appealed for privacy at this time.”
Mind responds to Everton Football Club statement (Posted on 03/05/2017)
Mind responds to a statement released today by Everton Football Club that player Aaron Lennon is receiving support for a ‘stress-related illness’.
Paul Famer, Chief Executive of Mind, said:
“We hope that Aaron is getting the help and support he needs and wish him all the best. It’s important that he is given space at this time and that he is treated with dignity and respect.
One in four people will experience a mental health problem each year. Mental health can impact people from all walks of life. It does not discriminate based on bank balance or profession.
We have seen a tremendous response from the footballing community and fans on social media, an encouraging sign that people are coming together to tackle mental health stigma.
We are very grateful to former professional footballer Andy Johnson who has started a fundraising campaign for Mind this afternoon and to everybody who has generously donated. The money will help Mind to continue its work providing vital support to people with mental health problems.”
Monday 10 July 2017 - Aaron Lennon tweet
(@AaronLennon12)
Aaron Lennon 'return' announcement tweet from personal account.
SUMMARY
Aaron Lennon's case is notable in that the disclosure of his mental health issues to the public was involuntary due to the circumstances of his detainment. That said, Everton and their then manager Ronald Koeman followed Lennon's wishes and provided only limited details of his health in line with his desire for privacy. Some of the media reporting was less considerate and compassionate, revealing a lack of mental health literacy.
UPDATES:
For updates on Aaron Lennon's career and mental health, see:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42792135
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46325101