Mental Illness in AFL common
01-February-2012
The stress and pressure of AFL football is taking a toll on players, almost half seeing a mental health professional at some point during their careers.
A confidential survey conducted by the AFL Players' Association found 43 per cent of players had received professional advice during their career, 33 per cent had seen a psychologist, 8 per cent a counsellor and 5 per cent had seen a psychiatrist.
AFL Players' Association wellbeing services manager Matti Clements said the level of players seeking counselling was cause for celebration, not concern.
"It's a credit to the guys that they're actually seeking help," she said.
"Some members of the public would say `what do these guys have to be stressed out or depressed about', but no one chooses to experience anxiety or depression, they are a mental health issue, the playing body is very well educated around that and they are more likely to self-refer earlier."
She said players discussed everything from stress and anxiety, depression, family issues, to performance-related problems. Many clubs included mandatory sessions with psychologists as part of performance reviews.
In 2011, 127 current and former players received counselling through the AFLPA, compared with 101 in 2010.
Stress was the biggest reason for seeking help, with 39 players asking for counselling. Anxiety/depression saw 33 players seeking help, while relationships was third with 30 players. Just 13 sought help for medical and injury concerns, while 12 were counselled on performance issues.
First appeared in The Age.
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