Hi - Thats a really brave, open, and honest statement to make. I expect there will many FM gamers that also suffer with mental health challenges currently or at various times of their lives and its fantastic and refreshing seeing a post like this which I think will help encourage more people to open up and speak on this subject. In fact about any challenges of any kind!
It got me through a period stuck at home following an ACL injury playing football that resulted in me having my left leg in a steel brace for 3 months. It also helped give me the drive to get back fit again to carry on playing about a year after the injury. My friends will remember me on crutches in the terrace, having my crutches checked for weapons watching Oxford v Pompey with a 4-1 lead to end up drawing the game 5-5.
Im almost 59 and followed the same root as you with a football game on an Acorn Electron, Kevin Toms of course, several others in between then the first Championship manager game released by Domark on the Amiga before moving to PC and then changing to Football Manager. I have bought every addition released.
I dont know how over the years I have managed to get away with spending so much time playing the game but clearly the graphics have much improved when a few years ago my other half came into my office hearing me cursing to say "Oh, didnt know you was watching live football"
Im pleased to hear you are in a much better way and hope this continues. Also good luck in your FM24 career!
Best Regards,
Warren