Maddy Cusack kept mental health secret over fears of stigma, inquest hears
Summary
Maddy Cusack, a former professional football player, died in September 2023 after struggling with mental health issues linked to pressure from coaching staff and contract difficulties. An inquest revealed she feared stigma from her club and did not receive adequate support for her mental health problems.Key Facts
- Maddy Cusack was a 27-year-old footballer who played for Sheffield United and Leicester City.
- She was found dead at her home in Derbyshire on 20 September 2023.
- Her father said she was unhappy with a coach named Jonathan Morgan, who had caused her stress at Leicester City and later at Sheffield United.
- Maddy became demotivated and anxious, especially after a full-time contract with Sheffield United made balancing playing and marketing work difficult.
- She feared being ridiculed or stigmatized by the club if she revealed her mental health struggles.
- Maddy was prescribed medication and given a sick note by her doctor but avoided having a specific diagnosis written on it to protect her reputation.
- No formal therapy or mental health support was provided to her by Sheffield United.
- Her father expressed that they believed she was depressed but did not think she intended to harm herself.
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