Former England international Alex Scott said she turned to alcohol in response to social media abuse before seeking therapy.
The 35-year-old was the victim of online trolls when she retired from playing and moved into punditry with the BBC and Sky.
"When I retired, getting trolling, I found that I was turning to drink to try and hide everything, hide what I was feeling," she said.
"Because everyone would sit there and go 'What?'. And almost you'd look at him to say 'He's a weak link, he's going to be a nightmare tomorrow for us'. Now looking back, I think 'maybe I could have helped a few people through'."
Farrell said now there was more encouragement to share thoughts and fears.
"We always have a chat the night before... just players, and I enjoy them," he said.
"The main thing for us is to speak what we are thinking. And if that's something that makes you a bit more vulnerable then that's good. Because if you're thinking it, I'd probably think a few more are as well."
