Speaking out for mates with depression

In the tough world of elite sport, there has never been much room for men to express pain and uncertainty. But former AFL premiership player Wayne Schwass is hoping a more open attitude to mental illness will make men – and sport – healthier

By AGRON DAUTI

Melbourne Demons footballer Mitch Clark made the brave decision to make his battle with depression public a few weeks ago, explaining why he had chosen to quit football.

Depression in men is a closeted issue because of the social stigma still associated with mental illness. Stereotypical attitudes suggest men are supposed to be tough, in control and able to manage pain, all reasons why those with mental illness tend to avoid speaking about their struggles.

It's even harder for elite athletes, who are expected to be super-strong mentally and physically. Clark had struggled with a string of serious injuries since joining Melbourne. He hoped his public stance on depression would help raise awareness of its importance and the consuming effects it could have on people’s lives.

Another footballer who went public about his battle with depression, former North Melbourne premiership player Wayne Schwass, spoke at the Mental Health Expo at Springvale Town Hall just days after Clark made his announcement and commended the ruckman on his bravery.

“What happened with Mitch [Clark] is a timely reminder that we have so much more work to do,” he said. After he retired from football, Schwass set up the Sunrise Foundation to help other athletes who suffer from depression.

“That saddens me because he’s a 25-year-old young man that had a very bright [footballing] future in front of him, but I have communicated to Mitch that I have the utmost respect for the courageous decision that he made.”

Men are less likely to talk about experiencing feelings of depression and anxiety, thereby increasing the risk of their mental illness being neglected and not being treated Beyond Blue CEO Kate Carnell said in a press release this month. Despite the work being done to combat depression, seeking help for depression or anxiety early is paramount to aiding recovery.

“In any one year, three million Australians will experience depression or anxiety, and nearly half of all Australians will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime, so introducing preventative measures to promote good mental health and seeking help early is vital,” Carnell said.

“Too many people, and particularly men, don’t seek treatment for depression and anxiety and can spend years battling these conditions alone.”

Professor Paul Fitzgerald, deputy director of the Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, says depression can have devastating outcomes on both individuals and society and raising awareness of the issue was critical.

“[Depression] is a very big problem,” said Prof Fitzgerald.

“At an individual level depression leads to marked disability and suffering and a significant percentage of patients with depression successfully commit suicide,” he said.

“At a societal level depression is estimated to become the leading cause of disability by 2020 and it contributes large economic and social costs.

“It is critical that patients who become depressed access treatment early and continue to engage in treatment, something that is impossible when individuals and their family members are unaware of the disorder.”

Depression is a high risk factor for suicide and there are over 2000 suicides annually in Australia. Eighty per cent of these suicides are men – with an average of five males taking their lives each day. Suicide remains the No.1 cause of death for males under 44 years of age.

Statistics released in March by the Australian Bureau of Statistics paint a harrowing picture; deaths by suicide have reached a 10-year peak of 2535.

Schwass stressed the importance of taking action to prevent suicide.

“There were 2500 people last year who took their own life. That is a significant number of people. That is why I’m so passionate about this cause. That for whatever reason, there are way too many people in our country, our community, our family networks, it touches every single one of us.

“We need to make sure that we do everything we possibly can in order to continue to educate, continue to raise awareness, because I’m not a clinical expert, but in my humble opinion, the reason why people get to that final decision, because they’ve lost all hope and sense of connection.”