The 30-year-old was taken to hospital on Sunday to be assessed after police were called to Eccles Old Road in Salford.
Lennon last played for Everton as a second-half substitute in the goalless home draw against Middlesbrough on February 11 – although he was in the matchday squad for the March 18 home win over Hull.
Everton released a statement this morning which read: “Thank you for all the kind messages for Aaron. We are supporting him through this and his family has appealed for privacy at this time.”
While the PFA, who offer a dedicated 24/7 helpline as well as a nationwide network of counsellors for members, echoed those sentiments.
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Aaron Lennon is currently recieving treatment for a stress-related illness
“Get well soon Aaron, we are all thinking of you and here to offer our full support,” a tweet from the PFA account read.
Details of Lennon’s detention emerged late last night.
Greater Manchester Police said in a statement: “Police were called at around 4.35pm to reports of a concern for the welfare of a man on Eccles Old Road.
“Officers attended and a 30-year-old man was detained under section 136 of the Mental Health Act and was taken to hospital for assessment.”
Lennon’s representative, Base Soccer Agency, tweeted: “Everyone at Base Soccer sends their support to @AaronLennon12 – get well soon and stay strong.”
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Leeds have sent a message of support to Aaron Lennon
Former PFA chairman Clarke Carlisle, who had a season at Leeds with Lennon early in his career, has suffered from mental health issues himself and attempted suicide in 2014, wrote on Twitter: “Love and blessings to my old teammate @AaronLennon12. Nail this now and there’s plenty more left in the tank my friend xxx”
Ex-Liverpool striker Stan Collymore, who has spoken about his battle with depression, tweeted: “Thoughts and love with Aaron Lennon and his family right now. I know that place, and I know he’ll be fine with good support from us all.”
Boxer Frank Bruno, another sportsman who has suffered with mental health issues, wrote: “Thoughts r with Aaron Lennon today, stay strong & as positive as possible,there is light at the end of tunnel u will get through this boss.”
Everton manager Ronald Koeman last month said Lennon was “not in a physical way to be part of the team”.
There has also been support from former England star Andy Johnson.
Johnson has pledged to donate 10p to mental health charity Mind every time someone retweets a message he posted on Twitter this morning.
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Aaron Lennon has been sectioned under the Mental Health Act
The tweet received more than 3,000 retweets within the first half hour – at a cost of £300.
Dr Andrew Evans, a lecturer in Sports Psychology at the University of Salford who regularly works as a consultant with athletes, believes top sportsmen and women in particular are at risk to mental health problems.
He said: “The pressure that elite athletes are under – with a constant need to perform at a high level as well as issues such as inter-team rivalry – can have negative effects on their mental health.
“Some athletes have the resources to meet the excessive demands placed upon them but for others a lack of resources can give rise to psychological factors such as stress and anxiety.
“It is vital that athletes have a support network in place including coaches and sports psychologists who can work with them to promote self-belief and control. These resources have been shown to be helpful in promoting psychological health and well-being.
“Athletes should also review their thoughts regularly by asking themselves whether their current thinking is helpful and makes sense. Sport psychology professionals can help athletes challenge any self-imposed demands or illogical thinking.”
What is the Mental Health Act?
When people are treated in hospital or another mental health facility, they have agreed or volunteered to be there. This makes them known as “voluntary patients”.
But there are cases when a person can be detained – also known as sectioned – under the Mental Health Act (1983). They are then treated without their agreement.
The Mental Health Act is the main piece of legislation that covers the assessment, treatment and rights of people with a mental health disorder.
People detained under the Mental Health Act need urgent treatment for a mental health disorder and are at risk of harm to themselves or others.
Who decides whether people should be detained under the Mental Health Act?
The police can choose to detain anyone under the Mental Health Act in emergency situations.
In non-emergency cases, GPs, carers or other professionals can ask for an assessment under Mental Health Act.
