Defender Dan Burn endorses therapy as key to mental health recovery
The England international, who was released by Newcastle as a youth, highlights the role of therapy in his career resurgence ahead of the World Cup.
Newcastle United and England defender Dan Burn has publicly endorsed mental health therapy as a pivotal element of his personal recovery. Speaking at the launch of the 'One of Our Own' initiative, a joint project between the club and Newcastle City Council, Burn stated that therapy worked "quite well" for him during his struggles. The event, which coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week, saw Burn urge others facing similar challenges to seek professional assistance.
The initiative features eleven specially commissioned public benches positioned around Newcastle, each equipped with thought-provoking questions designed to encourage open dialogue. QR codes attached to the benches direct users to a network of support services, including the Samaritans 24/7 helpline. Burn highlighted these physical installations as a tangible effort to get people talking about their mental health in a community setting.
Burn's advocacy is rooted in his own difficult career trajectory, having been released by Newcastle as a youngster and subsequently let go by Fulham in 2016. He expressed pride in his subsequent journey, noting that he earned his first England call-up last year after overcoming these setbacks. He told BBC Look North that he wanted to pass on wisdom to younger players and his own children, acknowledging that they face career challenges he has not experienced.
While emphasising the value of therapy, Burn cautioned that what works for one individual may not suit everyone. He pointed to other methods, such as walking football, as additional ways to help oneself and others. His message focuses on the availability of various tools to manage mental health, suggesting that there is always something one can do to improve their situation.
Looking ahead, Burn is desperate to secure a place in the England squad for the upcoming World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico. He noted that at 34 years old, he would be surprised if he were in the running for the next tournament, making this opportunity particularly urgent. Squad submissions for the tournament are due by 31 May, with the competition scheduled to run from 11 June to 19 July.
