IT is hard to believe that some people still believe that depression is just simply having a case of the "sads".
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It is much more than just that feeling and those who, for whatever reason, may still be sceptical, need to look no further than the story of AFL player Mitch Clark.
The Geelong forward's public battle with the mental illness has been an eye-opening one, one that will hopefully continue to break down the stigma attached to "the black dog".
It's a battle that has entered our minds again in 2015 with his return to senior football after retiring from Melbourne, in effect taking a year off to deal with the illness, and then deciding a new environment with the Cats was what he needed.
Clark has yet to speak (as such) about his battle, but the way he has harnessed Facebook and Instagram to educate and help others is an example of the way social media should be used.
Take, for example, this post from May 17:
You're going to be sad.
You're going to want to scream.
Do it.
Let it out.
Sit on the floor and cry until all your tears are out.
Do it until you feel like you can breathe again.
Find someone and talk, write a letter, text or email to tell them how you feel. Tell them everything. Don't spend another day at war with yourself.
You're not alone.
#youareloved
There is bravery and courage in football and then there is Clark.
Not only in regard to getting out there and playing with his condition, but for being so open about it.
These are words and sentiments that you would you not usually associate with a "big strong" footballer.
Men are supposed to be "tough" and not feel this way.
They are not supposed to cry.
Especially those who spend their lives in the testosterone-dominated world of professional sport.
Historically, a man would be described as being "weak" by admitting to struggles such as this but, the number of elite sportspeople opening up on the issue can inspire others to as well.
In the AFL, we have had Jon Hay, Wayne Schwass, Simon Hogan and Mark Eustice open up in recent times about their battles, but Clark has provided more of an insight of someone currently playing the game.
Consider the pressure AFL players are under.
Judged from all angles, from us in the media, to those in the stands and those at their own club, it is pressure that would be enormous.
When you consider all these factors, Clark's breakdown in the rooms following the win over Collingwood in round 6, when he missed a late shot at goal, is all the more understandable.
Social media, the vehicle that Clark has used so well to get the message across, can also be detrimental.
All you have to do is type a certain name into Twitter to get a response about them in the negative.
But there still seem to be those who dispute the concept of depression, not only in sport, but all aspects of life.
Some online comments have accused Clark of "faking" his depression to get out of Melbourne or that "of course you would be depressed" if you played for the Demons.
These same people have obviously no knowledge of mental illness or Clark's work on social media.
You can see the evidence of the impact that Clark's words have had on others by looking at his Facebook page, with plenty of examples available of people going through a similar battle thanking him.
That alone should be enough to convince any doubters.
No doubt, mental health has become more of a focus in sport as a whole in recent times.
Hopefully, those in power of the game at all levels continue to take notice and there's an even greater focus on the mental well-being of those who play the game.
■ If you need help, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, beyondblue on 1300 22 4636, Lifelink Samaritans on 1300 364 566, Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800, or MensLine Australia 1300 789 978.