Fremantle Dockers midfielder Nathan O’Driscoll says speaking up about his mental health struggles has been the “best thing” he could have done, after his emotional social media post last month.
O’Driscoll posted on Instagram, detailing his struggles with anxiety and how he had contemplated taking his own life.
It came almost two weeks after Carlton’s Elijah Hollands suffered what the club described as a “mental health episode” during an AFL match against Collingwood.
In an interview with 102.5 ABC Radio Perth’s Extra Time program, O’Driscoll, who is back in the Dockers side, said the post triggered a flood of support.
“I wasn’t expecting the responses it got,” O’Driscoll said.
“It’s been a whirlwind of emotions. It’s been unbelievable, people are sending support from all across the country.”
‘Speak up to anyone’
O’Driscoll said he had spoken to people inside the Dockers about his mental health issues before publishing the social media post, which he said had been invaluable.
Nathan O’Driscoll has played 43 AFL games for the Dockers, including five this season. (AAP Image: James Worsfold)
“I think that’s the best thing that I could have done,” he said.
“If anyone is going through anything I just recommend … speak up to anyone that you’re comfortable with.
“It’s the best thing I did.“
The 24-year-old said he had doubts before writing the post.
“It was pretty daunting, I was going back and forth on whether or not to post it,” he said.
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“At the time in the AFL, there had been a fair bit of mental health stuff going around.
“I thought it was a good time to let my teammates know and also the broader community know that if you are struggling with anything, you shouldn’t be ashamed to speak up.
“[Since] I posted it, I’ve received nothing but love and really good messages from a lot of people.”
O’Driscoll repeated a call for the AFL to implement a mental health round.
“I think it’ll be a good platform to educate people on mental health, especially young males where it’s not really spoken about,” he said.
Brother Aiden’s struggles
O’Driscoll also opened up about his brother Aiden, a Western Bulldogs draftee who was forced to retire without playing a game after suffering a serious concussion in his first AFL practice match.
Aiden O’Driscoll’s AFL dream was shattered before he could play his first game. (Supplied: Aiden O’Driscoll)
“I know for a fact how much it has affected Aiden,” he said.
“It worries me … his day-to-day, he can’t do anything.
“I just hope that he can … get some livelihood back.
“He’s struggling a little bit mentally, and that’s been the hardest thing, not being able to play any sport at all.
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