Behind the Gloves: Chris & Leona Kirkland on addiction and recovery

This podcast discusses mental health, including topics surrounding addiction, depression and suicide. In this powerful first episode, Edge Hill Honorary Doctor and mental health advocate Chris Kirkland is joined by his wife Leona to share their deeply personal journey through his mental health challenges and recovery. Chris, a former Premier League goalkeeper, speaks candidly about his addiction to prescription pain medication, his battle with depression, and suicidal thoughts. He explains why supporting young people’s mental health is now central to his mission. Leona offers a rare and moving insight into what it was like to support a loved one in crisis, and the coping strategies that helped their family through their most difficult time. Whether you’re a student yourself or supporting someone at university, this episode offers an honest look at the challenges of mental health and shares practical ways you can make a difference.35-minute interview recorded in the TV studio in Creative Edge, Edge Hill University on Monday 7 October 2024