Hamilton, Feb 10 NZPA - Lou Vincent's candid revelations about his battle with depression has been applauded by mental health professionals as the former New Zealand cricketer continues to rebuild his shattered confidence.

Vincent revealed his reliance on a clinical psychologist and anti-depressants after he was diagnosed with acute depression soon after returning from the November tour of South Africa.

The 29-year-old withdrew from all cricket shortly before Christmas after finally acknowledging the seriousness of his predicament.

Encouragingly, he has made a successful return at domestic level for Auckland.

Vincent followed the lead of former All Black John Kirwan by making no attempt to mask a torment that has dogged the latter stages of his career.

"For as long as I can remember I've ben riddled with self-doubt, I've had no self-belief and I've just been hating the guy I've seen in the mirror," he told the Sunday Star Times.

At the insistence of his wife Elly, Vincent sought professional help after first discussing his issues with New Zealand Cricket's team psychologist Gary Hermansson.

Since that intervention, Vincent has noticed a definite improvement though admitted his recovery was still a work in progress.

"I'm already thinking a little better of myself and I'm looking forward to not only getting out of bed in the morning, but being a good father and husband and playing cricket -- all of which I thought was over.

"I've a long way to go but I've got a few close mates that have been very supportive."

Vincent is not the only international cricketer to experience clinical depression -- England opener Marcus Trescothick broke down during the 2006 Ashes series and only last month, Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait quit all forms of cricket citing physical and mental exhaustion.

New Zealand's Mental Health Foundation chief executive Judi Clements said it was refreshing that Vincent had been so open about his health issues.

"It matters hugely because people view these sporting stars in near awe. To see them speaking out about conditions such as depression can be a great encouragement.

"By speaking out they give other people the courage to face their own challenges."

Hermansson, who worked intensively with Vincent in South Africa and on his return, agreed.

"I think we're seeing a shift in climate partly through John Kirwan and others who are saying `this is what the reality is' though it largely depends on how the people around him (Vincent) view it as well.

"It's quite easy to stereotype and start thinking `it makes this person suspect' but if we're sensible I think it's a healthy thing that we can talk about it, identify it, we can accept it and move on though the risk is always going to be in a macho climate that we're going to say it's a sign of weakness."

Hermansson viewed Vincent's battle as indicative of life as a professional sportsperson, and particularly a cricketer.

"Cricket is one of the most demanding and difficult sports to be part of," he told NZPA.

"It has particular demands about the constancy of the game itself, the training and the touring as well."

Vincent, who scored a century on test debut at Perth in 2001, had also been undermined by never being a regular selection in either the test or one-day squad, though he has made 102 ODI appearances.

He only travelled to South Africa as a late replacement for Peter Fulton and only played the second test -- his 23rd -- because bowler Kyle Mills woke up with a virus on game day and was again axed from the team before the Bangladesh home series in December-January after a lean trot against the Proteas and Australia in the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy.

Hermansson said Vincent's continual lack of certainty about his standing was a contributing factor to his malaise.

"It's an ongoing problem because you know you could only be a game away from finding yourself under pressure (to retain your spot)."

Vincent, who scored 36 off 31 balls for Auckland against Otago in the State Shield today, said while he enjoying his time in the domestic competition another international recall was way down his agenda.

"I just want to be as successful as I can be for Auckland."

Hermansson, however, thought Vincent was capable of mounting a comeback at the elite level.

"Quite clearly he's a very able sportsman. This has enabled him to deal with it and he can come back with a lot more strength and ability to manage where he is."