In mid-2011 I suffered a mental breakdown which resulted in me resigning from my dream job of 21 years as a sports broadcaster with the ABC and subsequently making an attempt on my life.
Hence, I have great empathy with the plight that is currently facing England batsman Jonathan Trott – although I hasten to add it would appear he is not in the same dire space I was a few years ago.
Nonetheless he is currently suffering mental health issues and according to team management it is something he has had to battle with for quite some time.
For England, Trott’s departure from the current tour marks the third such occurrence in recent times.
Opening batsman Marcus Trescothick was forced to head home from the tours of India in 2005-06 and the Ashes series of 2006-07, while left-arm spinner Michael Yardy left the 2011 World Cup on the sub-continent ahead of time – both citing mental health issues as the reason.
Sadly, both men never represented their country again, a fate that hopefully won’t beset Trott.
In recent times we have seen an increase in the number of sportspeople who have publicly admitted to their struggles with mental health issues – as has been the case in the general population as well.
For a long time such public utterances from those within the sporting world were viewed as a sign of weakness.
Too often mental health issues carry with them a significant stigma that is associated with weakness which, in essence, is the antithesis of what many people believe top flight sport is all about.
To admit to such struggles publicly has long been an issue for top sportspeople.
Thankfully, as more come forward and speak of their battles there has been a growing understanding of the issue within sport, and by extrapolation, society itself.
It is estimated by specialists in the field that as many as 20 percent of the population will suffer some form of depression or mental illness in their lifetime.
Sport is by no means immune to this regardless of the oft held belief that those who partake at the very highest levels are somewhat superhuman.
In fact, given the pressures of elite sport where your every move is laid bare for the public to see there is a belief garnered from numerous studies that there may in fact be a higher proportion of mental health issues in that area when compared to the general population.
Cricketers operate in a sport that is incredibly objective when it comes to making judgments with respect to the participant’s performance levels.
The major statistical information that governs the sport is in fact based on averages – a figure that by its very essence indicates where you sit within the sport performance wise, especially when it comes to comparisons with your contemporaries.
Few sports have such objective, quantifiable and finite ways of measuring success or failure.
Perhaps the closest to mirror cricket in this regard is baseball when it comes to raw statistical data that can be used to define performance.
Frighteningly, a study in the United States found that the rate of suicide among baseballers is approximately 2.5 times greater than the country’s male population.
While performance data is not necessarily the only information that governs the minds of selectors and coaches when it comes to assembling a team it is the primary source of judgement that is relied upon by the fans in discussions – if not arguments – over a player’s worth.
Sport at the highest level is by nature played before large, judgemental audiences – on seats at the stadium or on lounge chairs at home.
The level of scrutiny is beyond that which most of the population experiences with perhaps the most allied area of employment being politics.
Very few people’s work ethic and associated successes and failures are put under the microscope more than elite sportspeople.
Many elite level sports require its participants to be away from family and loved ones for large periods – cricket is right up there in that regard which can be another factor when it comes to mental health issues.
Just as the level of scrutiny of top sportspeople is a very public thing so too is the process of recovery that some have to undergo when it all becomes too much for them.
Knowing that the world is watching and waiting to see how you bounce back from publicised mental health issues is an additional burden that the average person does not have to face.
I can attest from personal experience that while the vast majority of people are genuine in their questions and support the fact that the public enquires so frequently as to your progress can be particularly draining.
Initially it took me time to want to talk about it publicly as it is a very personal journey that you are on.
But it is one in the 21st century that none of us should be embarrassed or ashamed about for like any illness it is non-discriminatory, and as such, I am very open about my condition and to date doing so has never caused me any problems whatsoever.
Mental health issues have affected Prime Ministers and paupers and everyone in between.
There is nothing more abnormal about mental illness than there is about having cancer or diabetes.
It is just that in the area of sport admitting to it can be more difficult.
I spend most of my time nowadays travelling around Western Australia doing mental health and suicide prevention talks.
Along the way I have met some wonderfully quintessential Australians from all walks of life who have had the black dog as a companion at some stage during their lives.
For almost all who have sought help there has been a solution.
The first step on that journey of personal renewal is the need to take ownership of your condition and to admit that there is an issue that needs to be addressed.
Failure to do that will lead to the problem becoming further ingrained and problematic.
Jonathan Trott has acknowledged that fact and in his case the entire cricketing world will become aware of it.
He has done the right thing by heading home to face it head-on in concert with family and medicos.
What he needs is unqualified support from those around him as he looks to overcome his problem.
There will no doubt be some who will take to social media and conjure up all sorts of jokes and jibes – there always is when things of this nature occur.
Sadly, they often need help themselves.
There should be no shame or embarrassment apportioned to anyone who admits publicly to having a mental health problem.
Like all illnesses, support is one of the key facets that can help aid recovery.
Personally, as a fellow traveller, I wish Jonathan Trott all the very best.
His decision to tackle his condition head-on should serve as an inspiration to others.
Hopefully he will make a speedy recovery and return to the crease so we can all enjoy watching his skill with the willow once again.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.
Bernard Tighe
Guest
Glenn - An extremely well written and empathic article written from the heart. Well done and keep strong
Bayman
Guest
Simon, Good luck with the Chrohn's Disease. I have a mate, and a nephew, who suffer from it. Whenever I have a prostate check I think of my mate since both issues require the use of the doctor's rubber glove. My mate once asked the doctor if he would use two fingers when he performed his examination. When the doctor asked why my mate said, "I'd just like a second opinion!" Incidentally, both my mate and nephew are doing well and living their lives largely unencumbered by the condition.
roger
Guest
As weird as this sounds when I think of that I think of someone like Phil Hughes. All the talent in the world but there is some serious confidence issues there that run deeper then what it appears. Just by watching him he seems to have certain traits that always make me wonder if there's something there we don't know...
Mike Caxton
Guest
Which is what he said
ChrisB
Guest
The problem is though that when its described as such (stress) ordinary Joes like me who'd give both arms to play test cricket (not that you'd be able to play with no arms of course) think that 'we'll I'm stressed everyday in my difficult but ultimately boring job, this guys' living the dream so just suck it up,' I know this is a blasé view, but were getting immune to professional sportsmen ( usually men) playing the mental health card to cover any misdemeanour or issue. But It seems genuine in Trotts case and there's no hint of a related indiscretion, so wishing him all the best in dealing with his issues.
Ian
Guest
Thanks Glen. Sharing that took a lot of courage. I have had to help a number of people with mental illness so I know just how crippling it is and how difficult it is to overcome. In fact, I think it's often worse than physical illness-it's the silent killer. I hope Trott gets the necessary support he needs as is able to get back to test cricket at some stage.
MervUK
Guest
Yeah awful stuff, he is very popular here in Yorkshire, just like his dad was, and we're very protective over Johnny for obvious reasons but he is a real tough nut and will do his best if picked. He really should just focus on his batting from now on, but his dad kept wicket for Yorkshire, so he wants to keep wicket as well and won't give up the gloves despite calls for him to do so. Admirable
ak
Roar Guru
Better to get a doctor's help as early as possible. There is no shame in approaching a specialist. Something like schizophrenia is really more devastating than a heart attack. But approaching the doctor is always the best thing to do.
Mike Caxton
Roar Rookie
As I said on the other thread, I've never hid my opinions behind my keyboard. I've already stated my opinion on this matter to people around me and, often surprisingly, to their agreement. It's amazing how modern media and political correctness has created a situation where so many people think so differently to their publicly voiced opinions for fear of being stamped on by their self-appointed moral superiors. This medium just happens to be one where people are relatively anonymous. I could make similar claims about the trivial posturing of the majority on these threads that would be downright embarrassing in a normal social situation. But I won't. Plenty of people suffer stress from various sources. Plenty of people suffer depression (not that it's actually been cited, just inferred from a surprisingly reticent England management). I've had family and friends suffer from both. And I've suffered clinical depression once as a young man and needed psychiatric drugs to get me back on track. I don't doubt that it exists and that it's a real problem for those who suffer, as well as their friends, family and colleagues. My point is this: that Trott was dealing out the sledging during this Test and in previous matches. He had no problem scoring 83 & 113 in tour games. I find it highly convenient that the moment his technique is exposed, he pulls the victim card and the egotistical low-lives that dominate the English team insinuate that he's been bullied. I have no love for Warner but the implication that he somehow caused Trott's predicament is absolutely disgraceful. This whole thing stinks to high heaven and, quite ironically given the dominant theme of the comments on this post, I think that it's the England side that's trivialised mental illness issues by using it as an excuse for theirs and Trott's poor performance. Maybe Warner should just declare that he's stressed and everyone can just forgive him. After all, nobody is ever at fault for anything - particularly those who are gifted and successful.
HardcorePrawn
Guest
A good piece Craig, one which got me wondering how many of those that have criticised Trott are growing moustaches for Movember themselves, forgetting that by doing so they're raising money for (and awareness of) Beyond Blue.
vocans
Guest
+ 1 and your video wraps on the test carried on the roar were special.
Simoc
Guest
Well Glenn, Is what you are saying fully accurate? It may be so but over a number of years I am advised you threatened to resign or offered it when you didn't get your way. Then one time it was accepted. There is no fault attached but we all act in the moment . I think you should be at the ABC leading the commentary team because for me you can paint the picture of what is happening in the moment and undoubtebly the best commentator we have had after Dennis Commetti and Jim Maxwell does none of that. I think most humans think they are bullet proof and when a mental condition hits it floors you. As my doctor said to me. Now you can join the other 99% of society with a mental problem.
JimmyB
Guest
+1
TheTruth
Guest
JB. Understand that when we have a dig at all the poms, it is never more than friendly banter (for the most part anyhow lol) between 2 long standing foes with a genuine respect for each other. But when it comes to reality, most of us would never wish true harm to come to any person(let alone a player) of any country. And I sincerely hope that Trott makes a speedy and complete recovery from his illness and goes on to play another fifty tests for England. Having said all that, I hope we smash you in Adelaide :) (though I have my doubts)
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
my original comment seemed to get lost (maybe amongst a deleted thread?) so I will repost Great article Glenn
Cameron Kellett
Guest
No its the other way round. Depression is caused from Stress.
BargeArse
Guest
I think Red Kev is right In a way.... stress can be a cause of depression, but not the only cause. They are two different things. Interesting Andy Flowers mentioning that there were issues with alcohol in his press conference.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Nice article as per usual, Glenn. We could do with some of your help up here in the Philippines at the moment.
Craig Taylor
Guest
Well said Glenn. I wrote a blog post about Jonathan Trott this morning as part of my Movember blog post series. We are both on the same wavelength, but you have said it all much better than I ever can. http://navelcontemplation.wordpress.com/2013/11/26/jonathan-trott-movember-25-of-30/
Kasey
Guest
Glenn, Thanks for your article. The scars of mental illness are no less debilitating just because they aren't open and obvious for others to see as the balding head and sunken cheekbones of a mid-treatment cancer patient. In some ways they are harder to overcome than your garden variety ailment due to the jibes and the like you refer to which I call the stigma of mental illness. As a cancer survivor, I was unaware that in some parts of the world a similar stigma existed over cancer. Organisations such as LiveStrong and the Cancer Council running awareness campaigns of just how prevalent Cancer is have almost eradicated this stigma in the first world. I believe people such as yourself writing first person testimony such as this can help achieve the same for mental aflictions. Thank you for your contribution.