Viewers of SAS Australia have shown their support for cricketer Mitchell Johnson, after he bravely revealed his lifelong battle with depression on Monday’s episode.
Fans commended the 38-year-old retired sportsman for sharing his mental health battles on television in a series of tweets, saying that he is ‘not alone’ in his struggle.
During an interrogation with directing staff Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham and Ollie Ollerton, Mitchell explained that his lack of confidence stemmed from professional cricket no longer helping him ‘block’ his struggles with mental health.
‘You’re not alone’: Fans rallied around Mitchell Johnson (pictured) on Twitter, as he bravely revealed his lifelong battle with depression on Monday’s episode of SAS Australia
‘Takes a lot to come out and say you have problems with depression, even more so on national television,’ one posted on Twitter.
‘Great to hear more high-profile Aussies speaking out about depression. It can hit anyone at any time. I’ve been there. Mitchell Johnson has been there. Nothing to be ashamed of,’ another followed.
One simply said they wanted to give Mitchell Johnson ‘a big hug’, while professionals in the health field said depression is common in retired professional athletes.
Offering support: Fans commended the 38-year-old retired sportsman for sharing his mental health battles on television in a series of tweets, saying that he is ‘not alone’ in his struggle
‘1 in 4 retired elite athletes suffer issues with depression and/or anxiety,’ one Doctor claimed, adding that ‘Mitchell Johnson is not alone’.
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.
‘I just took everything personally. I was physically exhausted, and I was mentally exhausted, as well.’
Confession: During an interrogation with directing staff Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham and Ollie Ollerton, Mitchell explained that his lack of confidence stemmed from professional cricket no longer helping him ‘block’ his struggles with mental health
Struggles: Mitchell was left noticeably panicked and upset after he froze and failed to ‘shoot the enemy’ during the earlier challenge
During his interrogation, Mark and Ollie asked why his demeanour had entirely changed following the gruelling earlier challenge.
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‘I just thought about it too much, just the lead-up of it.’
Ollie informed him: ‘It’s about making decisions when everything around you is falling apart!’
Questioning: During his interrogation, Mark and Ollie (both pictured) asked why his demeanour had entirely changed following the gruelling earlier challenge
Explaining himself further, Mitchell continued: ‘I picked up the weapon and then panic set in. 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.
His story: Explaining why his demeanour changed during the earlier challenge, Mitchell said: ‘I just thought about it too much, just the lead-up of it. I picked up the weapon and then panic set in. I struggle with confidence at times’
Mitchell added: ‘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’
‘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.’
Mark reassured him: ‘That’s exactly what you’re doing. You’ve got to put your mind somewhere else.
‘Take every day as it comes, and don’t be afraid to push forward and go for it.’
For confidential mental health support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
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’
Mark reassured him: ‘That’s exactly what you’re doing. You’ve got to put your mind somewhere else. Take every day as it comes, and don’t be afraid to push forward and go for it’
Source: Daily Mail
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