…Researched and contributed by Lola Smith.
The 23-year-old Ospreys scrum-half cited a combination of grief over the death of his grandparents and multiple rugby injuries as the main contributors to his stress and anxiety.
His high stress levels even caused him to suffer from patches of hair loss.
In February, Morgan reached his lowest point and attempted to end his life. Since then, he has been receiving medication to treat his stress and anxiety.
Opening Up About His Struggles
Morgan shared his traumatic ordeal on social media, thanking his family, friends, teammates, and employer for their love and support during his darkest moments.
He admits that he had been suffering in silence for years, but has now decided to speak up about his struggles to empower other men to do the same.
“Mental health is a taboo subject for men, particularly men in the rugby world.
By admitting my struggles and showing my vulnerability, I hope other men feel empowered to open up.
It’s okay to not be okay,” he wrote.
Putting a Halt to His Sports Career
The traumatic experience has caused Morgan to prioritize his mental health and take a break from professional rugby.
He wants to inspire others through online support and fitness sessions, as keeping active played a significant role in his recovery.
“I have made the difficult decision to take some time out of professional rugby.
Rugby will always be my passion but, for now, I need to prioritize my mental and physical well-being.
This isn’t a goodbye to rugby forever, it’s a goodbye for now,” he added.
Encouraging Others to Speak Up
Morgan’s story has been commended on social media, and the Welsh Rugby Union Community Director Geraint John tweeted his support.
Morgan hopes that his vulnerability will inspire other men to speak openly about their struggles and seek help.
He also wants to raise awareness of the “taboo subject” of mental health in the rugby world.
His message is a reminder that it’s important to prioritize mental health and seek help when needed.