Sixteen days after his last social media post, former two-time British boxing champion Gary Sykes has taken to the platform to update worried fans.
Firstly, the Dewsbury man went through a tough time at the beginning of the lockdown. This was due to the coronavirus outbreak and struggled mentally to deal with the situation.
A mass of Twitter activity worried his fans for a fortnight as Sykes went through a manic episode in front of the camera.
Several videos had many trying to reach out to the 36-year-old. At one point, Sykes announced he’d be attempting a campaign of ONE MILLION burpees.
Constantly calling people up and waffling profusely, the difficult time was never going to last.
In the end, Sykes was sectioned on more than one occasion, with the latter including a brush with the law.
Gary Sykes mental breakdown
Describing what happened himself, Sykes stated: “So everybody, I well and truly cracked up. I had a mental breakdown.
“The technical term is ‘Acute Mania’,” he added.
So everybody I well and truly cracked up, Had a Mental Breakdown, Technical term – Acute Mania.
This Covid-19 got me bad as was scheduled to go into Sporting Chance Rehab on 30th March but then when tits up ended up losing my mind breaking a Police Officers cheek bone 👎— Gary Sykes (@GarySykesBoxer) April 29, 2020
On what may have been the trigger, Sykes pointed to a planned rehab stint for his ongoing battle with alcoholism.
Sadly, the worst came when Sykes got involved in an altercation with those attempting to get him some help.
“This Covid-19 got me bad. I was scheduled to go into Sporting Chance Rehab on 30th March but then when t–s up.
“I ended up losing my mind (and) breaking a police officers’ cheekbone (whom I will write a personal apology to).
“Been in Fieldhead Mental hospital for two weeks. What great people there. Oh and the love of my life nurse, Ellie.
“If things don’t change they stay as they are. Definitely changing for me!”
Support has certainly been instant for Gary Sykes since he opened up on his current plight, of which the quarantine conditions won’t be facilitating.
Mental Health help
If you, like Gary Sykes, are feeling anxious or suffering any kind of mental issue, please contact the following:
Mental Health Foundation
Provides information and support for anyone with mental problems or learning disabilities.
Website: www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Mind
Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.
Phone: 0300 123 3393
Website: www.mind.org.uk
Rethink Mental Illness
Support and advice for people living with mental illness.
Phone: 0300 5000 927
Website: www.rethink.org
Anxiety UK
Charity providing support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.
Phone: 03444 775 774
Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk
Samaritans
Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
Website: www.samaritans.org.uk
SANE
Emotional support, information and guidance for people affected by mental illness, their families and carers.
SANEline: 0300 304 7000
Website: www.sane.org.uk/support
Alcoholics Anonymous
Phone: 0800 917 7650 (24-hour helpline)
Website: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
