Chris Kamara, the beloved former footballer and television presenter, has recently opened up about the significant mental health challenges he faced following his diagnosis of apraxia of speech. The 67-year-old, widely known for his vibrant contributions to Sky Sports News's Soccer Saturday, revealed in 2022 that he had been diagnosed with the rare neurological disorder, which affects the brain's ability to coordinate the complex muscle movements required for speech.
Kamara's journey with health issues began in April 2021 when he was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid. However, it was the subsequent diagnosis of speech apraxia in March 2022 that profoundly impacted his life and career. The condition, which slows down speech and thought processes, led to his departure from Soccer Saturday after a remarkable 24-year stint.
In a recent interview, Kamara shared the emotional turmoil he experienced, admitting that he "saw my life flash before my eyes". He confessed to grappling with "stupid thoughts," including fears of developing Alzheimer's or dementia. Kamara also heartbreakingly admitted that he is "no longer the person I used to be". The condition has not only affected his speech but also his balance and strength, leading to regular falls. "The brain tells me that I am going to fall, and unfortunately I often do," he explained.
Kamara has been candid about the impact on his mental health, confessing that he once felt like a "burden" to his family and even contemplated "taking himself out of the game". He regrets not sharing his initial health concerns with his wife and family sooner. "I didn't tell my wife what was going on," Kamara revealed. "My family would have supported me rather than somebody I didn't know...and my sons would have helped me in the first place". He now recognizes the importance of speaking out and seeking help for mental health struggles. "Nobody knows what's going on inside your head unless you tell them," he stated.
Despite these challenges, Kamara has shown incredible resilience. He traveled to Mexico for specialized speech therapy, which led to noticeable improvements. While he admits he may never fully regain his old self, he has made a return to broadcasting, including a guest appearance on Amazon Prime Video's Premier League coverage. Kamara is also preparing for a live tour with his close friend, broadcaster Ben Shephard, titled Ben And Kammy's Unbelievable Tour, scheduled for next year. The tour will see the pair discussing their careers and sharing behind-the-scenes stories.
Kamara is also committed to using his experiences to help others. He has become a vocal advocate for increased funding and support for individuals with speech disorders and other hidden disabilities. Kamara is a patron of six charities and works with countless others. He recently participated in a new BBC show, Bantam of the Opera, joining a choir made up of Bradford City supporters, finding the experience therapeutic and beneficial for his speech. "Singing helps me," Kamara said, noting that it improves his voice fluency.
Kamara's story is one of courage, resilience, and a commitment to helping others. Despite the significant challenges posed by his condition, he remains determined to live life to the fullest and use his platform to raise awareness and support for those facing similar struggles.
