MENTAL illness can be tragic, something St Patrick’s Football Club reserves player Joeby Sadler wishes to curtail.
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Sadler was last year deeply affected by the death of his mate, aged just 26.
From a dreadful situation a positive initiative has sprung.
“Joeby made a decision after the funeral that he wanted to make a stand,” club president Ian McCallum said.
“It was the typical scenario we hear so often, ‘nobody, including his family and mates, saw it coming’.
“Men and in particular young men have had a long history of keeping their inner demons to themselves and far too often with disastrous results.
“Joeby approached the club, explained the way he felt and asked the club if he could initiate a day to raise funds for Beyondblue, but just as important to raise awareness about depression and suicide in young men.”
Since then, the concept has taken off.
The club, through the efforts of many, managed to raise $8000 in three weeks for mental health organisation Beyondblue last season.
The players pulled on blue socks, Sadler, his father Mick and many gathered donated goods to raffle and auction, while the community dug deep.
It was the typical scenario we hear so often, ‘nobody, including his family and mates, saw it coming’.
- St Pat's president Ian McCallum
“I have a few mates and family members that have been through depression,” Sadler said.
“Footy clubs are a great place to try and spread awareness. They have a perceived manly manner about them, but statistics show, especially young males, have the highest rate of depression in Australia.
“A majority of people at a footy club sort of fits in that criteria, so the more we get people talking about it and letting them know that it is OK to speak out the better.”
On Saturday, St Pats players will this time run out against Perth in specially designed jumpers carrying the message R U OK M8.
The match will be followed by a function at the Saints’ Morris Street, Prospect clubrooms to again raise funds.
On Tuesday, Mitch McPherson from Speak Up Stay ChaTY addressed the players and public on the subject and what to look for and do if they suspect someone is struggling.
McCallum said it made for interesting listening.
NEED HELP?
- Contact Lifeline on 131 114, beyondblue on 1300 224 636, Lifelink Samaritans on 1300 364 566, Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800, or MensLine Australia 1300 789 978.