Mental Health Awareness Month - Leon McKenzie Helps Break Stigma in Sport

May is Mental Health Awareness Month to raise awareness and educate with regards to mental health and wellness. 1 in 4 people can suffer from a form of mental illness each year. Athletes are not immune to mental illness or suffering.

Leon McKenzie is an English former professional footballer and professional boxer. His football career included playing in all four English professional leagues, and he competed in the super middleweight class in boxing.

In light of Mental Health Awareness Month, McKenzie spoke with Sky Sports to share his story and journey with mental illness in an effort to open dialogue, break the stigma, and encourage others to seek help. McKenzie struggled with depression and notes that this will be a fight. He had many physical injuries during his playing career, and this led to a difficult reality when faced with retirement and separating his athletic identity.

Read the full story from McKenzie's perspective here.