Support grows for AFL mental health round to help reduce stigma in wake of Adam Hunter, Troy Selwood deaths

A director of Australia’s peak association of psychologists says an AFL round dedicated to mental health could help reduce the stigma of the illness among young men. It comes after the AFL last week revealed they were open to exploring the themed round, following calls by former players for the competition to do more to highlight the insidious issue following the recent deaths of former AFL players Adam Hunter and Troy Selwood. And the AFL Players’ Association this week revealed the number of consultations that had been provided to players had spiked and was substantial. “It is a good start, but we could always do more,” Australian Association of Psychologists Inc director Cailin Jordan said about the prospect an AFL mental health round. “Tragically, there have been some reported losses of lives within the community which is a reminder to all of us that mental health issues do not discriminate. “No community is immune from significant mental health concerns and of course more can be done. “In this scenario (an AFL mental health round), an equal emphasis on mental and physical fitness would be really important. “It may include players considering their lives more holistically before, during and after their competitive careers. “Anything that is going to raise awareness and normalise the conversations, not just about noticing when you are struggling, but what do I do and how do I get help ... I think a (AFL) round could be helpful.” AFL head of inclusion and social policy Tanya Hosch says a themed round to highlight mental health was “one of many suggestions we will continue to consider”. St Kilda holds its annual Spuds Game, named in honour of late club great Danny Frawley, to raise funds to fight mental ill health in Australia. An AFL report on mental health last year that revealed one in five players experience “significant mental health issues”. Jordan said that could be caused by “stress, burnout, depression, anxiety or substance abuse issues”. “Obviously there are unique factors in sport such as potential stigma around sport culture including pressure to win and perform, the expectation for physical and emotional strength, the pressure of drafts, moving and being away from your family and supports, the impact of injury.” she said. “Will you be picked when your time comes? (There is) Racism and other pressures. “But there can be a reluctance particularly with sport to seek help due to the fear of stigma within the culture that does prioritise physical and mental strength.” She said players don’t have a problem when seeking treatment for a physical injury. “It’s interesting I think most people consider therapy that supports our physical health and performance such as physiotherapy is seen as routine and highly valued,” she said. “It would be great if mental health support was approached in the same manner.” She said at least 20 per cent of the population suffered from mental health issues. “It’s similar with athletes. The issues and the pressures are different but the prevalance is very similar,” she said. The AFLPA employs three internal pyschologists who “triage” members calling for help to a network of more than 600 professional counsellors within 24 hours. AFLPA general manager of player development Ben Smith this week told a Perth audience the AFL and AFLW players were “more aware” and were “coming to us earlier” with mental health issues. “Our challenge is to try and encourage our players to access the systems that exist and there are still some barriers to that,” Smith said. Jordan said mental health awareness had improved “dramatically” from five years ago, but called for more State and Federal Government funding. “We are getting better. We need more funding from government for mental health generally so people can actually access the care when they need it,” she said. “I do think there has been a shift dramatically from the conversations that weren’t being had five years ago to where we are now.“