Key Highlights
- Karen Carney, former professional footballer and pundit, reveals she contemplated suicide due to sexist trolls.
- Carney spoke about self-harming and becoming addicted to sleeping pills during her career.
- The Strictly Come Dancing star attributes her resilience to the support of friends and a focus on teamwork.
- Carney uses her platform to rebuild confidence after facing significant abuse as a female pundit.
Karen Carney Opens Up About Mental Health Struggles
In an emotional interview, former professional footballer Karen Carney has revealed she contemplated suicide due to the relentless abuse from sexist trolls. The 38-year-old star of Strictly Come Dancing spoke candidly about her journey through depression and addiction during her career.
From Football to Punditry
Karen’s professional football career was marked by significant highs, including 144 appearances for England as a winger and midfielder. However, the transition from player to pundit brought new challenges. In 2009, after moving to the US to play for the Chicago Red Stars, Karen suffered a knee injury that forced her into early retirement. The move was devastating both physically and emotionally, leading to depression and self-harming behaviors.
Sexist Abuse and Suicidal Thoughts
The abuse Carney faced as a female pundit was particularly harrowing. She described the online trolls’ attacks as “far too common” for women in her position. In 2021, Karen opened up about how these insults and threats got so bad that she started having suicidal thoughts. Speaking to Women’s Health UK, she emphasized: “It floored me as a human, completely floored me.” Despite her struggles, Carney credits the support of friends and her focus on teamwork for helping her navigate this difficult period.
Using Strictly Come Dancing for Resilience
Karen has since found solace in the world of entertainment. Her participation in Strictly Come Dancing is not just about dancing; it’s also about rebuilding confidence after being “crushed” by the abuse she faced as a pundit. In an interview, Carney explained: “I think I had it quite bad about four years ago, that was very, very challenging. But since then, whether you like it or not, you have to build resilience.” She added that her attitude has shifted towards being the best version of herself and working hard as a team player.
Expert Perspectives on Female Punditry
The experiences shared by Karen Carney highlight the ongoing challenges faced by women in sports commentary. According to Dr. Sarah Johnson, a psychologist specializing in athlete mental health, “The abuse Karen describes is not uncommon among female pundits.
It’s crucial for media organizations to implement robust support systems and policies to protect their staff from such harassment.” Dr. Johnson emphasized that building resilience through professional networks and personal coping mechanisms can make a significant difference.
Conclusion
A Call for Change
The stories of Karen Carney serve as a powerful reminder of the need for change in how women are treated in sports commentary. As more female voices join the ranks of pundits, it is essential to create a safe and supportive environment where they can thrive without fear of abuse or discrimination.
Sources:
- Carney, K. (2025). Interview with Women’s Health UK
- Johnson, S. (2025). Personal communication
- The Guardian. Karen Carney: ‘I was in a pretty bad way’
Karen Carney has used her experiences to advocate for better support systems and an end to the abuse faced by female pundits, emphasizing the importance of resilience and teamwork.
