Sunderland midfielder Luke O'Nien feels opening up about his struggles during injury has helped him cope with the emotional and psychological challenges.
He detailed his frustrations and insecurities in a social media post, and said the feedback was uplifting.
"Social media shows the grass is always greener, I wanted to show the other side," O'Nien told BBC Look North.
"I've a little one, I've got to be a role model to her. I've got to be open and honest with her as she grows up, and it's important to be open and honest with the generation coming through so they see both sides of the story.