Aaron Lennon thanks fans and family for support after mental health problems in 2017: 'Anyone needing help, you are not alone'

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Aaron Lennon has sent a New Year's message telling 'anyone needing help or not feeling right, you are not alone' after what has been at times a very difficult year for the Everton winger.

In May 2017, Lennon was detained under the Mental Health Act and received treatment for a stress-related illness, however has since returned to action for his club.

Lennon says he is now in 'a great place' and 'loving each day like you should', and thanked Everton, his fans and his family for all their support through the tough times.

Aaron Lennon has sent a New Year's message telling 'anyone needing help, you are not alone'

In an emotional message posted to Twitter on New Year's Eve, Lennon wrote: '2017 has been a year I'll never forget and there's so many people I wanna thank for making the year end in such a special way. I can't name everyone individually but a lot of you know who you are. 

'I want to thank my family and friends, everyone at Everton, the fans and everyone at all the hospitals. I'd especially like to thank everyone at the Priory for being there for me through some tough times, and everyone who sent me get well messages.

'With all your help I've managed to get myself in a great place and loving each day like you should, also learning so much about myself and learning how important the mind is and what I need to do to look after it.

'I want to say again that anyone needing help or not feeling right, there's so much help out there, you are not alone. Please seek this help and believe the tough times are not forever.'

In 2017, Lennon was detained under the Mental Health Act and received treatment for stress

Lennon ended the message by promising to speak out more openly about his problems and mental health issues in general in 2018, before wishing everyone a 'happy and healthy' new year. 

The former England international has established himself in Everton's first team of late, and played his second full 90 minutes in the 2017-18 Premier League campaign in the 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth. 

With the quick turnaround in the holiday period, Lennon will hope to play again when Everton host Manchester United on New Year's Day.

The Everton winger says he is now in 'a great place' and 'loving each day like you should'