Depression in the Australian Football League

Australian rules football is a physically demanding and mentally draining, especially for the professional players in the Australian Football League (AFL). Many are looked at as super human like characters who bare no mental scars, getting paid to play 'footy'. However, with living and playing in the spotlight of success hungry clubs and fans, comes expectation of consistent performances whilst juggling the life of being a regular human being and they are faced with the same mental health issues such as depression, as many other ordinary citizens. Depression effects almost 3 million Australians, and is currently the leading cause of non-fatal disabilities in Australia but only 3% of the Australian population regard it as a major health issue.^[1] Approximately 1 in 6 men will suffer from depression at some point in their lives,^[2] to add to that, depression is also most prevalent in young adults. In 2011, 101 AFL players sought psychological help through the various forums available to them. Many were due to a relocation to a new club or interstate, with the most common age for referral being just 19 years of age.^[3] However other provocatives may be injury, lack of form, poor treatment from the general public on social media and the inability to adapt to the life of being a professional athlete. Many players find it hard to adjust to the life which is so heavily scrutinised where their every move is monitored and judged. Players who have admitted and battled depression have stated that it is the lifestyle in which that live and that they hid behind this lifestyle.

Notable cases and people

Mitch Clark

Mitch Clark is one of the most publicised cases of depression amongst AFL athlete. Since being drafted to the Brisbane Lions at the age of 18, Mitch endured a string of injuries and illness, including battling Meningococcal disease prior to being drafted. From 2006- 2011, Mitch played a total of 82 games for Brisbane. Prior to the 2012 season, Mitch signed a lucrative 4-year deal with the Melbourne Demons Football Club, where he was handed the famous number 11 jersey which was worn by Melbourne legend, Jim Stynes. Mitch immediately felt the pressure of not only being one of the clubs highest paid players, but also wearing a jumper number which had some much sentimental value to Melbourne fans. In his 2 years at Melbourne, Clark only managed to play 15 games. His career was again ridiculed by injury and prior to the 2014 season, Mitch retired from the AFL after battling depression which had hampered him for the previous 12 months. Clark was even granted indefinitely leave from Melbourne, however he could not continue to battle depression and play elite football.^[4] Prior to the 2015 season and after 12 months out of the game, Clark declared his desire to play top level football again, and although still being a Melbourne listed player, he requested a trade to the Geelong Football Club. Clarks time thus far at Geelong has been much the same as the rest of his career, he has been struck down by injury and still battles depression on a daily basis. In a game early in the 2015 season, Mitch broke down mid match against Collingwood. It remains unclear what may have triggered this event, Mitch posted the following message on his Facebook account after the event- "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."^[5] In another game in 2015, against Hawthorn, it was alleged that Clark had been on the receiving end of several sledges from Hawthorn players over his mental issues. Hawthorn denied any such events occurred and the matter was not taken any further by the AFL or the Geelong Football Club.^[6]

Simon Hogan

Spectators the Melbourne Cricket Ground watching a football game

Simon Hogan played 22 games for the Geelong Cats between 2009- 2011. He abruptly called a time on his career after being diagnosed with a depressive disorder which he feared would impact his relationship with his team mates over the stereotype of living the 'Mach Man' lifestyle. At the depths of Hogan's issues he had suicidal thoughts, where he admits to holding sleeping tablets to his mouth a few times before he was interrupted by his father who happened to be home at the time. Hogan's biggest lifestyle adjustment was retiring from football, but he also had to make some other lifestyle changes as well. Hogan now wants to spend time to spread the awareness of depression amongst AFL players by telling his story. Hogan now spends his time studying whilst playing grassroots football on the weekends.^[7]

Post-career occurrence

Heath Black

Heath Black's battle with depression and other mental health issues wasn't publicised until later in his football career. Black played 192 AFL games from 1997-2008, where he played for 3 AFL clubs. Black linked his condition with the fact that all he knew how to do was play football, in year 11 he couldn't spell or do basic maths, so when that was taken from him, he had nothing to do with his life. This lead to alcohol issues and violence episodes which again fuelled his depressive state of mind.^[8] Heath Black released a book detailing his issues titled, "Hell and Black" a s well as serving as a public and motivation speaker where he speaks on a range of topics ranging from how to deal with people with mental health issues to teamwork workshops.

Chris Mainwaring

Chris Mainwaring was a legend of the West Coast Eagles Football Club, he was also a sports reporter for Channel 7 in Perth. Mainwaring passed away in 2007 and it was revealed that he had a cocktail of both prescription and illicit drugs in his system. However, it was revealed in the days after Mainwaring's death, that Mainwaring had been battling depression after facing a lawsuit over a property deal went wrong.^[9] There had been several concerns over Mainwaring's health in the lead up to his death, with football figure Brad Hardie stating that "There have been concerns about Chris over the last couple of weeks now, Obviously things weren't totally together in his private life."^[10]

Prevention

Many AFL clubs take the cautious approach to their players when it comes to mental issues such as Depression. An AFL club is very much a close knit environment where players become close with each other and support networks can be formed. AFL clubs have in place a variety of avenues for their current players to use whilst dealing with the high profile and scrutinised lives that they are living. Club chaplains are one option a player can use, where they can go and discuss various issues within full confidence. AFL clubs also have 7 psychiatrists available around the country, where players can go and talk to about their issues or problems.^[3] Through the AFL Players Association or AFLPA, players are taught about the three main signs and symptoms of depression, they are sadness, lack of motivation towards activities they normally enjoy and becoming frequently more irritated.^[11] The AFLPA has worked hard to better educate footballers on the signs and symptoms of Depression and trying to eliminate any social stigmas which may be attached to seeking help. An AFL club is very much a close knit environment where players become close with each other and support networks can be formed.

See also

• Mental health in the Australian Football League

References