Mark Allen ‘completely overwhelmed’ after opening up about mental health

Mark Allen says he has been “completely overwhelmed” with support since he opened up about his battle with mental health and raised the possibility that his career could be over.

The 40-year-old lost 17-16 in a final-frame decider to Wu Yize in the World Championship semi-final in April.

His first-round match against Jordan Brown at the Northern Ireland Open in Belfast on Tuesday was his first since that defeat.

Allen told TNT Sports he was in a “bad place” after losing to Brown and admitted that he was contemplating retiring from competition.

“I felt like if I was going to play one last time, playing here at the Waterfront [Hall] where it all started [in] 2005, against one of my best mates, I thought that was a better way to sign out,” he said.

“It’s sad to say because it’s all I’ve loved to do since I was 12, but the last few months have been really difficult, and it sort of put snooker into perspective for me. But tonight, I’m just trying to survive.”

Following the interview, Allen wrote a statement on X in which he said he is “not OK” but wants to show his “fighting qualities” on his road to recovery.

He also said that he spent 10 weeks in a mental health clinic before discharging himself to play in the competition.

The UK Championship starts at the end of November.

Allen gave fresh hope that he may continue his career at that event and is hoping to be in a “better place” for it, but said that he is taking it “one day at a time”.

In a post on X, he said: “Completely overwhelmed by all the messages I have received since my statement.

“As I continue my treatment and my recovery (I) now know that I simply have to raise more awareness around mental health in the future.

“Best part of six weeks before the UK Championships starts and all being well I’ll be in a better place by then but for now it’s just one day at a time.

“Thanks again for all your support. It’s meant so so much to myself and my family.”