Rugby star Danny Cipriani has encouraged people to talk about their feelings after the death of his close friend Caroline Flack, saying “it’s okay to be vulnerable”.
The England international opened up about his own mental health in a video posted to Instagram.
Cipriani made the 18-minute recording following the suicide of TV presenter Caroline last week.
“We all have vulnerable moments and we all have moments of weakness,” said the Gloucester Rugby fly-half. “Talk. I’ve heard that said before, a hundred times, but I truly understand it now.”
Cipriani’s video has been watched more than 650,000 times and received more than 11,000 comments.
He said: “I have to tell this story. I have rehearsed this so much in my mind.
“Someone that I loved as a person very dearly, and someone I was very close to, has decided to take her own life, as everyone knows.
“I told her all the things I was embarrassed and shameful about.
Vulnerable
“I’m telling everybody now what my most embarrassing and shameful moments are, because I know she knew I had the strength to do this.”
Cipriani, who talked about his own depression during the video, added: “I’m trying to say it’s okay to be vulnerable, and that it doesn’t matter what people are saying about you.”
Cipriani’s club Gloucester have dedicated their home league fixture against Sale Sharks on February 28, to raising awareness of mental health.
The Gloucester Rugby Foundation has teamed up with the Samaritans to raise awareness and to bring support to fans at their Kingsholm stadium.
To find a counsellor of psychotherapist who can help with any of the issues in this article, visit our Therapist Directory.
Photo credit: Martin Bennett/ Gloucester Rugby