Thanks for the supportive posts everyone. The issue of insecurity is one I still continue to fight.
I will say it was more a "getting off my chest" post than looking for answers. I have got the professional help with a counsellor, which is helping. Having inconsistent days with high and low confidence but, on the whole, things are improving definitely, mentally speaking.
@ Moad'Dib: You are quite right on both points. On the latter, this was a mind-over-matter thing for me to tell myself it's not as bad as it could be. This is why it's taken time to get some control back.
@ Tas: Your post has really helped me to put into perspective what I've been going through. It's weird but I felt bad for going into my shell, feeling I had let down others for what looked like a backwards step for me at the time. I know I did the right thing overall, as it helped for me to rationalise and focus on improving myself. Thanks mate.
I've never felt alone by this problem, more not wanting to be a burden on others. It's always been the case with me of putting others first at the expense of myself, which has resulted in the problems I documented. It's been the sponge soaking everything up till it can't soak up any more. I guess that the issue of finally putting myself first has made me challenge how I prioritise my life and to not feel guilty for putting myself first.
'Some people believe football is a matter of life and death.
I'm very disappointed with that attitude.
I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.'