"I've never publicly spoken to anyone about this. I think it would be good for this to be seen as a way of helping people to go to see a psychologist or psychiatrist"
Saturday 4 July 2020 13:36, UK
Everton forward Bernard says he has been seeing a psychologist for the past year after suffering an anxiety attack.
The Brazilian says he sought help after being concerned by a number of symptoms, including blurred vision.
"I've been having therapy for the past year, I see a psychologist," he told evertontv.
"It's not something I previously stigmatised, but I never thought I would require this type of treatment.
"I've never publicly spoken to anyone about this. I think it would be good for this to be seen as a way of helping people to go to see a psychologist or psychiatrist.
"I had an anxiety attack a year ago, the psychologist really helped with this, the other professionals involved helped me a lot as well.
"I sought help as I genuinely needed it. I'm stronger in all areas and have become a better person, more positive and more confident."
Bernard has become a champion of Everton's People's Place, a proposed mental-health facility close to Goodison Park, which was granted planning permission in May.
It is a cause which has taken on greater significance after his own personal experience.
"It's not possible to identify exactly what happened and why but today, after one year of treatment, I can really see how much I've matured, how much of a better person I am," he added ahead of Monday's trip to Tottenham.
"Today I feel grateful and happier for having gone through this. I'm even grateful for the difficulties and problems we face in life, as they make us better people.
"Now I see how much I've evolved as a person, as a human being, how much this has helped me in my work."
