On a bright May afternoon, Ami Campbell is back where she belongs — wearing the White Rose of Yorkshire and letting her cricket do the talking. After a strong start to the 2024 Tier 2 women’s domestic season, the left-hander made headlines with a stunning 165* off 105 balls against Derbyshire Falcons.
But Campbell’s return to form follows a deeply personal battle — one that reveals the often-hidden mental health struggles of professional athletes. In an exclusive interview in Issue 36 of Beyond the Boundaries, she shares her journey through depression, ADHD diagnosis, and the life-saving support of The Cricketers’ Trust and Sporting Chance.
“There were days I couldn’t leave my house”
In only her second year as a professional cricketer in 2023, Campbell began experiencing prolonged low moods and emotional turbulence. “It got to a point where I couldn’t leave my house and started to have some really dark thoughts,” she revealed.
She reached out to Lynsey Williams, her then Personal Development Manager, and was quickly referred by the PCA to The Cricketers’ Trust. Within 24 hours, she was connected to a therapist through Sporting Chance. “Lynsey is like a second mum to me. Honestly, I don’t know if I would still be here if it wasn’t for her.”
A long-overdue ADHD diagnosis
Following therapy and treatment for depression, Campbell was later diagnosed with dual type ADHD — a combination of inattention and hyperactivity. As is common in adult women, her symptoms had been masked and overlooked during childhood.
“This was something raised by my teachers but a lack of exposure and education from my parents meant this was overlooked,” she explained. “But it was also a eureka moment — a confirmation of the struggles I had been having.”
Turning neurodivergence into a strength
Now aged 33 and with a better understanding of her condition, Campbell says her ADHD has become a source of creativity, focus, and performance under pressure. “I’m old enough to know how to manage myself. It’s not easy, but I’ve learned to use it to my advantage.”
“Without the neurodivergence, I wouldn’t be where I am now. It has made me a perfectionist and a resilient competitor. I’ve started performing at my potential because I know how to regulate myself in high-performance environments.”
Raising awareness in sport
Campbell has since spoken publicly across platforms and podcasts, encouraging others in sport to be open about neurodivergence and mental health. “I want to help raise awareness — especially because it’s becoming increasingly common in sport.”
The former Manchester Originals star also emphasized the importance of separating personal identity from cricket. “There’s more to life outside cricket,” she said. “Learn to switch off and explore who you are beyond the pitch.”
The Cricketers’ Trust: a lifeline
One of sport’s most vital charities, The Cricketers’ Trust supported 91 mental health cases in 2024 alone. For Campbell, the support was “timeless.”
“It’s massively important for us to keep supporting the Trust. It’s a lifeline when life gets challenging, and something we should be investing in all the time.”
As Campbell continues to shine for Yorkshire and share her story, she remains a beacon of strength, resilience, and authenticity in the women’s game.
