After captaining England in a World Cup final and enjoying a distinguished career, Millie Bright found herself sidelined for over five months in the Women’s Super League season due to a knee injury. She expressed her sorrow about missing most of Chelsea manager Emma Hayes’ final campaign, as well as struggling to witness her team’s disappointments in the Women’s Champions League and domestic cup competitions.
Bright’s candidness about the emotional toll of her journey serves as a reminder that footballers, like everyone else, experience the fluctuating highs and lows of life. In honour of Mental Health Awareness Week, Bright openly discussed how her injury setbacks led her to question the future of her career.
Acknowledging the stigma around sharing moments of vulnerability, Bright revealed, “There’s been ups and downs. Most people probably won’t ever know about the downs. I should probably be a little bit more open about those.” She grappled with the heartache of not being able to contribute to her team during their struggles and admitted to contemplating the possibility of ending her career. Despite her internal battles, she emphasized the difficulty of opening up about her struggles, acknowledging the challenges she faced.
Having been a part of Chelsea for a decade, Bright has developed a close bond with manager Emma Hayes, who has been a pivotal source of support during her trying times. She shared her sentiments about Hayes, acknowledging her as a “massive” support system and expressed her desire to shield those around her. As someone who is expected to maintain a tough exterior, Bright highlighted the importance of having a trusted support system, including her fiance Levi and her family, who provide her with the safe space to express her emotions.
Throughout her career, Bright has been a role model for many, with her recent focus on using her platform to encourage others to seek support and ask for help. She stressed the significance of reaching out, particularly in today’s world, as a means of gathering one’s emotions and finding clarity during tough times. Bright’s emphasis on the importance of support and the act of seeking help resonates deeply with those who may feel isolated in their struggles.
In conclusion, Millie Bright’s willingness to share her personal battles serves as a reminder that even those in the public eye face internal struggles. Her advocacy for opening up about mental wellbeing and seeking support serves as an inspiration to others who may be experiencing similar challenges. The shared recognition of the significance of mental health awareness, especially within the sports community, reflects Bright’s enduring commitment to destigmatize candid conversations about mental wellbeing.