Brian Raman opens up on struggles with depression: ''Mentally I'm on the ground''

Brian Raman has opened up on his mental health struggles, saying he has been "struggling for years" away from the oche. The Belgian announced via X that he is currently struggling with depression. Earlier this year, 'The Riddler' had success at the Dutch Open by winning the pairs tournament together with Damian Mol.

''Where should I start?'' Raman quipped. ''Mentally on the ground. I've been struggling for years now. When you do well, everyone says you're the next best thing. As soon as you have one or two bad games, you're the worst player out there. Nobody knows what I'm dealing with in private.''

27-year-old Raman continued he will work hard to get back on top. ''I'm working really hard to get back where I once was... It's not easy, but I will be back. For now I need to fight my own demons! Yes, depression is real. If you don't like someone, fine, but leave them alone. You don't know how hard they already have it,'' Raman said.

Raman, the former WDF ranked number one, won a Tour Card at Q-School in 2022, but failed to finish in the top 64 in the world after two years, struggling with a shoulder injury that required surgery at the end of last year.