Chris Kamara Opens Up About His Mental Health Journey
As we mark Mental Health Awareness Week, renowned TV personality Chris Kamara has spoken candidly about his struggles with speech apraxia, a neurological disorder that affects his ability to speak. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mirror, Kamara revealed how he has learned to accept and live with his condition, and how it has impacted his life.
The 67-year-old Sky Sports pundit was diagnosed with speech apraxia three years ago, which left him feeling devastated and fearing that his career would be over. However, with the help of therapy, Kamara has come to terms with his condition and is now more open about his experiences. "I’ve accepted the way I speak now," he said. "And that’s because of the work on my mental health. My therapist told me that the day you accept your condition is the day you will start getting better, and that is what happened."
Kamara’s condition was triggered by a series of events, including the COVID-19 lockdown, which saw his family move in with him. He recalls feeling low and struggling with dark thoughts, but says that talking to a therapist has helped him to cope. "You need to talk about things going on inside your head…get it off your chest, it’s not like you (come out of a therapy session) feeling cured immediately. But there is a sense of relief – in just talking."
The sportsman, who has been married to his wife Anne for 43 years, regrets not confiding in his family during this difficult period. "I should have talked to my wife Anne, for which I have apologised to her," he said. "I didn’t tell my wife what was going on. My family would have supported me rather than somebody I didn’t know."
Kamara’s speech difficulties have had a significant impact on his life, but he is determined to raise awareness about mental health and the importance of talking about one’s feelings. He has teamed up with Drinkaware and Andy’s Man Club to explore the impact of mid-life men’s drinking on mental health. "Alcohol can feel like a way out, a coping mechanism," he said. "But men need to talk more about their feelings. I grew up as a dinosaur in my thinking – you pull yourself together and get on with it, but I was wrong. We all need support."
Throughout his career, Kamara has been known for his charismatic personality and his love of football. As a player, he suffered racist abuse, but he never let it overshadow his passion for the game. As a manager, he became Bradford City’s first black manager in the mid-1990s. And as a TV personality, he has become a household name, co-hosting ITV’s Ninja Warrior and appearing on multiple shows.
Kamara’s legendary gaffe during a Sky Sports broadcast in 2010, where he failed to spot a red card, cemented his TV success and made him a viewers’ favourite. He recalls: "I always think back to that day. I had done lots of TV before then, but that took me to a different sphere in terms of the shows that I was doing after I did that."
Today, Kamara is more in demand on TV than ever, despite his diagnosis. He says: "Would you believe it, I’m getting offers all the time! I’d love to do I’m A Celeb, but I wouldn’t be able to do the tasks. I also have dyspraxia, which affects physical coordination."
As Mental Health Awareness Week gets underway, Kamara’s message is clear: talking about mental health is crucial, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. "I have had an amazing career – it really has been unbelievable!" he says. "But what I’m most grateful for is my family."
For more information on mental health support, visit Drinkaware.co.uk or andysmanclub.co.uk. If you are struggling or worried about a loved one, you can call Samaritans free at any time, from any phone, on 116 123 or email [email protected].
