Fremantle Dockers player Nathan O’Driscoll has revealed his mental health struggles in an emotional social media post, amid a push from players for the AFL to implement a mental health round.
The post came almost two weeks after Carlton’s Elijah Hollands suffered a “mental health episode” during a match against Collingwood.
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Carlton said Hollands had been admitted to hospital last week.
Western Bulldogs premiership player Tom Boyd, who retired aged 23 partly due to the intense pressure of playing elite sport, said last week other players were bound to be struggling under the surface.
On Wednesday afternoon, O’Driscoll posted on Instagram, opening up on how he had come close to taking his own life.
“I wasn’t going to post this, but with the recent focus on mental health around the league, it feels like the right time,” O’Driscoll wrote.
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“Over the past four years, I’ve had some incredible highs, but also some very low moments.
“I’ve struggled with anxiety, a constant need to feel like I belong, and always putting others before myself.
Nathan O’Driscoll has opened up about his mental health struggles. (AAP Image: James Worsfold)
“There have been times where I’ve fallen into deep depressive states and three separate times where I’ve been extremely close to committing suicide.
“I’m sharing this because speaking up matters.”
O’Driscoll, who last played for Fremantle in their round two win over Melbourne, said he had recently lost someone close to him, but had found solace in his friends, family and teammates.
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“From the outside, it might look like I have everything, but what’s going on internally can be a very different story,” he wrote.
“Everyone is dealing with something, and it’s okay to not be okay.
Nathan O’Driscoll shares a laugh with teammates after a derby win. (AAP Image: James Worsfold)
“I’m incredibly grateful for the people around me.
“There is so much good in this world. Whatever you’re going through, it will get better. Reach out, stay connected, and be kind to yourself.”
Geelong star Bailey Smith floated the idea of the AFL introducing a mental health round after his club’s win over the Western Bulldogs in round six, two weeks ago.
“I don’t know if I’m out of pocket saying it, but I think it’s about time the AFL get a men’s mental health round,” Smith said.
The idea has since been backed by other players and officials.