Clarke Carlisle has spelt it out: retiring from sport can be a traumatic loss

Athletes by nature are mentally tough, and are perceived to be mentally tougher, fitter and healthier than others – and this makes it harder for them to approach someone for help, especially if they are in the public eye. They can experience loss in many ways – loss of form, loss of speed, or through injury or retirement. The severity of the psychological response to that is often misunderstood by other sportspeople, and to a certain extent by the athletes themselves.