Undisputed AFL star Dustin Martin has revealed in an interview with The Age that he, like many of us, struggled with anxiety and depression in 2018, prompting him to seek help for his mental health.
The 27-year-old came off a huge high in 2017, with Richmond winning the grand final, Martin being awarded the Norm Smith Medal, and taking home his first Brownlow.
But after the incredible year, Martin says the euphoria didn’t last.
I haven’t told too many people this, but I found 2018 to be really hard. I woke with a weird empty feeling inside and it was really strange. I had everything I wanted and everything I dreamt of, but I didn’t feel fulfilled or happy. I didn’t know what was going on.
Martin told The Age that he felt monumental pressure to continue the successes of his 2017 season.
I started worrying about what others would say about me if I wasn’t at that level anymore. I realised it doesn’t matter what people think; if I just do my best, that’s all I can do. I stopped worrying and I was suddenly free. It was small guided steps, but I learned to live my best life and not take on board what others think of me.
Instead of choosing to deal with his anxiety and depression alone, Martin sought help, in the form of daily meditation, spiritual reconnection (he went on a spiritual hike through Bali’s Ubud over summer), and a reimmersion in reading and mindfulness. He’s come out in support of others seeking help for their own struggles, too.
Mental health is a huge issue not only in sport, but in society. I would encourage anyone who is struggling with something big or small to have the courage to ask for help.
It’s a huge deal to see one of AFL’s biggest new stars be open and honest about his own mental health, when so many Australians are still struggling to give their own the attention it deserves. Onya, Dustin. le
