Conversations around mental illness are starting to step into the media spotlight with public figures and sportspeople opening up about their own personal and private battles.
SANE Australia report that nearly half (45%) of the population will experience a mental illness at some stage in their lives. With such a large volume of people affected, we need to remember that mental illness does not discriminate and that no one is immune.
For some sportspeople, mental illness is part of their day to day challenges, or it may rear its face as they return to the “real world” after years as a professional athlete. No matter the circumstance, mental illness can affect anyone and at any time.
Here is a short list of sportspeople who struggle with mental illness and what they say has gotten them through their tough times.
Former AFL player Mitch Clark
Former AFL player Mitch Clark’s battle with depression became public in 2014 when he took a break from the game after being diagnosed with clinical depression. He decided to embark upon a comeback and joined the Geelong cats in 2015.
After a 41-point win over Collingwood in 2015, Clark seemed out of sorts when he decided not to take part in the post-match celebrations.
Clark took to Instagram to express his feelings:
“Depression makes very little sense and rears its head whenever it chooses and unfortunately last night was one of those times. Like I have said I’m nowhere near ‘cured’ and am still learning how to best deal with my dark days. I’m very fortunate to have such great support around me and grateful for all the messages I have received. Please if you’re struggling, reach out and ask for help. You’re not alone #youareloved.”
Kookaburras player Simon Orchard
Australian men’s hockey player Simon Orchard would have lost his bid for the 2016 Rio Olympics if it were not for a two-month time out from the sport, to get a grasp on anxiety issues that have plagued him for years.
Talking with the Sydney Morning Herald, Orchard expressed the pressures that professional athletes face with intense training regimes and the support his teammates offered when he finally opened up about his anxiety.
“I was so sick of the grind, continually jumping through hoops, being judged, always under a microscope. I know there are lots of great things about what we do, but it’s hard to see that when people always want to get more out of you. It really wears you down.
“The initial trepidation wasn’t so much about what the public thought; it was working out what was going on. Once I told the playing group it was a very difficult day but it was all worthwhile,” said Orchard.
Former AFL player Simon Hogan
Simon Hogan played for the Geelong Cats between 2009-11, before he abruptly walked away from his football career to focus on his health.
Hogan spoke with the Herald Sun about his ongoing journey and what he does to get him through the bad days.
“It’s not yes or no, or black and white. For me it’s continually keeping on top of things. It’s not a thing that I have conquered, that is in the past. It’s an ongoing thing and it’s about living happily and healthily from now on and finding out what works for me.
“I tried meditation and yoga, but I found it more frustrating than healing. And, for me, having a coffee or riding my bike around the streets of Melbourne, it’s relaxing for me and keeps my mind off footy and makes me feel good about where I am at,” said Hogan.
We say, that’s as good of a reason as any!
If you require advice or support, please reach out to us. We regularly receive emails and messages from people seeking guidance and assistance with their struggles. We have a full list of professional contacts and are able to put you in touch with the right people.
