Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen says he has been “completely overwhelmed” by messages after he revealed his battle with mental health and suggested his career could be over.

The 40-year-old told TNT Sports he was in a “bad place” after he lost to Jordan Brown in the first round of the Northern Ireland Open in Belfast on Tuesday.

Antrim man Allen said he spent 10 weeks in a mental health clinic before he discharged himself to play in the competition.

It was his first match since his World Championship semi-final defeat to Wu Yize in April, where he lost 17-16 in a final-frame decider.

placeholder image — Mark Allen spent 10 weeks in a mental health clinic before discharging himself to play at the Northern Ireland Open. (Photo by Richard Sellers/PA Wire)

After the interview, Allen also wrote a statement on X saying he is “not OK” but wants to show his “fighting qualities” on his road to recovery.

Allen gave fresh hope that he may continue his career at the UK Championship and is hoping to be in a “better place” for the event, which starts at the end of November, but says he is taking it “one day at a time”.

In a post on X, he said: “Completely overwhelmed by all the messages I have received since my statement.

"As I continue my treatment and my recovery (I) now know that I simply have to raise more awareness around mental health in the future.

“Best part of six weeks before the UK Championships starts and all being well I’ll be in a better place by then but for now it’s just one day at a time.

"Thanks again for all your support. It’s meant so so much to myself and my family.”