Cricketer Mitchell Johnson shares moving message about suicide prevention – after revealing his battle with depression
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Mitchell Johnson has gotten candid about depression.
The Australian cricketer shared a post to Instagram on Sunday in which he discussed the importance of raising awareness for suicide prevention.
The 40-year-old wrote: ‘Men account for over 75% of deaths from suicide in Australia, while many men struggle to access the support they need. Mental health has been a huge part of my career/life.
Mitchell Johnson (pictured) has gotten candid about depression. The Australian cricketer shared a post to Instagram on Sunday in which he discussed the importance of raising awareness for suicide prevention
‘It’s something that I’m passionate in raising awareness for, to ensure all Aussie men know there is support out there.’
He went on: ‘Admitting that I was struggling was a huge factor in avoiding my issues for years, however this is only one hurdle everyday Aussie’s face in getting the support they need.
‘If you or someone you know is struggling, please make sure you speak to someone. From my own experience, speaking to someone gave me the support I needed.’
The 40-year-old wrote: ‘Men account for over 75% of deaths from suicide in Australia, while many men struggle to access the support they need. Mental health has been a huge part of my career/life’. Pictured playing cricket in 2018
Mitchell then suggested people use the services provided by men’s heath service Mosh.
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The athlete candidly discussed his battle with depression while appearing on SAS Australia.
Mitchell informed viewers of his backstory, saying: ‘In 2011 in South Africa, I just wasn’t enjoying myself. I wasn’t enjoying being a professional cricketer and, I guess, being looked at and judged all the time.
He went on: ‘Admitting that I was struggling was a huge factor in avoiding my issues for years, however this is only one hurdle everyday Aussie’s face in getting the support they need. Johnson is pictured during the England and Australia Ashes Test series at Cardiff in 2009
‘I just took everything personally. I was physically exhausted, and I was mentally exhausted, as well.’
He added: ‘I struggle with confidence at times. I just think I’m in that transition now where I’ve been out of playing cricket for two years. I found out I got depression. But I think the depression is something I’ve had from even a younger age’.
Mitchell bravely continued: ‘Cricket blocked things out in a way. It sort of hid the depression, but there were a lot of times where you go back to your room, you’re away from family, and you start to dwell on things.
The athlete candidly discussed his battle with depression while appearing on SAS Australia (pictured). ‘I found out I got depression. But I think the depression is something I’ve had from even a younger age,’ he said
‘Through my career, I just dealt with it. It’s just about me know, moving forward and taking it upon myself to be active with certain things and to keep my mind going’.
Mitchell quit international cricket in November 2015 and competed in domestic Twenty20 tournaments around the world before completely retiring in 2018.
For confidential mental health support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
‘Through my career, I just dealt with it. It’s just about me know, moving forward and taking it upon myself to be active with certain things and to keep my mind going,’ he added. Pictured with his wife Jessica Bratich Johnson
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Source: Daily Mail
