'I've been riddled with self-doubt'

Vincent fights depression

Cricinfo staff

February 10, 2008

Lou Vincent has come back with a couple of domestic fifties © Getty Images

Lou Vincent, the New Zealand batsman, is undergoing treatment to recover from depression, a report in the Herald on Sunday revealed. The news comes on the heels of Shaun Tait announcing his indefinite break from the game, citing physical and emotional exhaustion.

Vincent confirmed to the newspaper he was on anti-depressants and taking the help of a clinical psychologist. He had been dropped for the home series against Bangladesh following a string of poor scores during New Zealand's tour to South Africa and the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy in Australia.

"For as long as I can remember I've been riddled with self-doubt, I've had no self-belief, and I've just been hating the guy I've seen in the mirror," he told the Sunday Star-Times. "I remember so many days that should have been great days when I've gone home, slumped over a chair and thought `I just hate this and I hate myself'."

The Herald reported the depression took a heavy toll on Vincent and his family, and he didn't feature in the domestic fixtures for Auckland for more than a month after returning from Australia. However, he seems to be coping better, having scored fifties in two Twenty20s and a one-dayer since his comeback.

Dion Nash, a selector and former player, said the panel was aware of Vincent's problem and he had spoken to him often. "From what we can see, he's dealt with it, and seeing the right specialists and getting back on track, which is good for everyone," he said. "I feel for the guy. Lou's a great guy - we really wish him all the best, we value him very highly."

Nash said cricket was a tough game mentally, especially when touring overseas, and said he had seen similar cases. "If they weren't [diagnosed]," he said, "I have known a few guys who should have been, including myself at times."

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