Sam Hutchinson spoke live to Radio Sheffield’s Football Heaven on Thursday evening to discuss mental health on national Time to Talk Day.
The day promotes speaking openly about mental health problems, and the Owls midfielder did exactly that during a one-hour special with host Adam Oxley.
Sam has made no secret about his battle with depression, from being a young player at Chelsea, through to the present day.
The 29-year-old took calls from Wednesdayites, as well as supporters of other clubs, to speak candidly about his experiences and offered any advice he could pass on.
The Football League’s charity partner for this season is Mind, showcasing how football is doing all it can to help those who need it, and Sam made a worthy contribution by speaking out himself.
Speaking exclusively to the Owls in Saturday’s matchday programme, he said: “I’ve been through it, and the only way to get through it is to speak about it.
“Everyone goes through it, some people call it depression, sometimes you’re just unhappy. To speak about it gets you out of it.
“But, people have got to want to do it themselves and ultimately they are the ones who have the power to get themselves out of it.”
The show’s host, Adam, who also spoke about his own experience with mental health, said: “I was delighted that Sam agreed to join me in the studio and share his mental health story for our Time to Talk Day special.
“We were both overwhelmed with the response from listeners and it was amazing to hear callers talking to Sam about their own mental health issues, and for Sam to speak with such honesty, warmth and compassion, offering brilliant advice to anyone having a tough time.
“Again, a huge thanks to Sam and to Sheffield Wednesday for helping us to have a much-needed conversation."
Also, if you are experiencing any mental health issues of your own, please CLICK HERE to visit the Mind charity website.