Dave Gilbert Takes Cue from Jimmy White to Explore Mental Health Support
Snooker professional Dave Gilbert has announced his intention to consult a mental health specialist this summer, drawing inspiration from fellow player Jimmy White's recent disclosure about his ADHD diagnosis. White, 62, known as 'The Whirlwind,' revealed last year that being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder three years ago was a transformative experience, describing it as 'very eye-opening, but at the same time fantastic.'
Gilbert's Personal Struggles with Focus and Motivation
Gilbert, 44, has frequently battled issues with concentration and drive throughout his snooker career, characterizing himself as 'so up and down' both on and off the table. He attributes part of these challenges to the intense pressures inherent in professional snooker, but hearing about White's positive outcome has motivated him to seek professional help. 'I've seen Jimmy do something and it turned out he had ADHD. I thought maybe it's time for me to [see a specialist], because I'd like to feel a bit better in my own skin,' Gilbert explained.
Reflecting on his emotional volatility, Gilbert added, 'I'm so up and down. I think I'm going to go and see a specialist over the summer.' He also referenced comments from snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan, who once stated he would never want his children to play the sport. 'People think that's a bit silly, but I get it. It's very up and down,' Gilbert noted, acknowledging the mental toll of the game.
Career Reflections and Self-Acceptance
Gilbert, currently ranked world number 25, has endured a disappointing season but secured a spot at the Crucible Theatre for the World Snooker Championship after qualifying victories. He expressed relief at advancing, saying, 'I'm really happy to be through. I'm glad to get out of here and I'm glad to be going to the Crucible.' However, he candidly admitted to squandering opportunities over his 25-year career, describing periods where he simply 'turned up and whacked about.'
Despite these setbacks, Gilbert has achieved notable success, including two semi-final appearances at the Crucible, with one as recent as 2024. He remarked, 'I've proven I can play on the big stages. Two Masters semis and two World semis. You know, I'm not that crap. I've been all right. Bit of an underachiever, I guess.' He lamented missing key shots that could have significantly boosted his earnings, humorously adding, 'I've been a couple of shots away from probably being a millionaire.'
Embracing Identity and Future Prospects
Known as 'The Angry Farmer,' Gilbert has come to terms with his temperament, stating, 'I'm never going to have the perfect attitude and temperament and sit there like an absolute drip in my chair when it's absolutely shocking. I've learnt that I've just got to let it out and just be who I am.' He acknowledged his shortcomings, calling himself 'a bit of an idiot,' but affirmed his belief in his abilities. 'I know what it takes to be good at this game and I haven't done that for a long, long, long time. But yeah, for some strange reason, I do actually think I can play a little bit.'
Gilbert emphasized the importance of self-acceptance, saying, 'It took a long time to just be all right with who I am, you know.' He is set to face Ding Junhui in the opening round of the World Championship, with matches scheduled at 10am on Sunday and Monday at the Crucible. This step toward mental health awareness highlights a growing trend in sports where athletes are openly addressing psychological well-being, inspired by peers like Jimmy White.
