Luke Sutton – Back from the Edge – A story of regaining mental health #124

<p>Luke Sutton played professional cricket for over 15 years at the highest level for both Derbyshire and Lancashire. In that time he waged a battle against alcoholism, depression and anxiety.</p> <p> </p> <p>On the face of it as he performed well season after season all was well but as he details in his brilliant new book ‘Back from the Edge’ he was fighting a losing battle.</p> <p> </p> <p>As we discuss in today’s show were in not for a chance meeting at Euston station with his former County captain Glen Chapple his life may well have spiralled totally out of control.</p> <p>Luke was sat in the station drinking and was so overcome with anxiety he couldn’t board the train.</p> <p> </p> <p>The chance meeting with Chapple resulted in him beginning the process of getting himself back on track.</p> <p> </p> <p>He spent time in the Priory where we discuss the incredible work done by the therapists there.</p> <p> </p> <p>In our time together we discuss</p> <p> </p> <p>The pressure of professional sport and how the relentless drive for success can really affect certain individuals</p> <p> </p> <p>How it is so easy to miss out on the experiences you are having NOW in the drive to always be somewhere else</p> <p> </p> <p>How the dependency on alcohol was being drowned out by the ‘work hard play hard’ culture in cricket</p> <p> </p> <p>How he hit rock bottom and the effect on his family</p> <p> </p> <p>The inspiring way he fought back to now run a successful management company</p> <p> </p> <p>The understanding of the need to be absorbed in what you are doing NOW</p> <p> </p> <p>Taking real joy from the simple pleasures of life</p> <p> </p> <p>A truly inspiring conversation that is so relevant to our current situation and the need to look after our mental health and well being</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Luke is available on Twitter @luke_sutts </p> <p> </p> <p>His book is called ‘Back from the Edge’ available at amazon.co.uk</p> <p> </p> <p>The next Mind Factor Mindfulness Certification course will begin on May 28th to reser