Mark Allen releases heartfelt statement about mental health challenges after admitting snooker career 'could be over'

Mark Allen has revealed that he discharged himself from mental health clinic to play in Northern Ireland Open in a heartfelt statement.

After losing 4-2 to Jordan Brown at the Northern Ireland Open, snooker legend Allen admitted that his career may be over after revealing he had been struggling with his mental health.

The heartbreaking interview raised concerns among fans, but Allen has now released a statement thanking people for their support while giving more details about his recent mental health battle.

READ MORE: TNT host praised for what she said to Mark Allen after he admitted his snooker career could be over

Mark Allen reveals he discharged himself from mental health clinic to play in Northern Ireland open

Following the loss to Brown, who is a close friend, Allen's heartbreaking interview was met with huge waves of support from fans while also prompting concerns over his wellbeing.

And in a fresh statement, Allen reassured fan that while he is 'not ok' he's getting better now and reassured fans that he is getting the support he needs.

Posting on X, Allen wrote: "A statement on yesterday…..

"Everything I said in that interview was true. However, rest assured I’m doing my best to turn things round.

"I have been in a mental health clinic for the last 10 weeks, finally discharging so I could attempt to play in Belfast

"I owed that to my family, in particular my daughter to see me play for what could be the last time….. I also owed it to the fans who have supported me throughout my 21 years on tour

"I also owed that to World Snooker who have been amazing from day on in all this, in particular Simon Brownell and Neil Tomkins who have remained in touch regularly, even Simon paying me a visit in the clinic itself

"I’m not ok, but I’m ok in that itself. I’ve been much worse in the last few months than you saw yesterday. I literally didn’t see a future in anything…..

"My daughter kept me going, the therapists, staff and all the other patients were amazing and helped me through some really dark days

"I see the light now that I couldn’t see before but I do now. I also know it won’t happen overnight. I’m a work in progress!!! My fight and determination on the table has always been there for ones to see. I need to show those same fighting qualities off it now for a while

"Please don’t detract anything from Jordan yesterday, he’s been aware of my struggles and that can’t have been easy to play in but he handled it with grace and skill as I knew he would. Im proud to call him a friend

"I hope the rest of the event is a success and I will continue my treatments going forward and then see what’s ahead.

"Thank you to every single message I have received on here, instagram, Facebook, text messages and WhatsApp’s, I’ve seen them all but a bit overwhelmed to reply right now.

"Just know that they have helped me a lot but I’m not going anywhere just yet!!!! I have so much to live for and this is only the beginning of my new journey.

"Also, I was not made to do any interviews, I was simply given a choice and felt I owed it to everyone to speak. The media team at WST have been incredible through all this too. Thank you all x."

More to follow...