A friend of mine, who suffered from depression recently, related his story to me. Being a former National Rugby League Player, he started getting depressed whilst playing Rugby League. He could not identify the reasons and kept sinking into greater depths of depression.
As a result his friends started avoiding him. A common sight was his friends gathering together behind his back and talking and laughing about him. He was treated as though he was some kind of a Looney.
He eventually decided to quit Rugby and went to a Psychologist for treatment. He soon realised that a Psychologist alone will not help and went to a General Practitioner for medication.
After several months, he came out of depression. This gave him the freedom to seek other work. He soon found work as a Fireman. He worked in this role for 10 years. During the first 6 to 7 years of his life, he was fit. However, he went into depression again and left work. His wife left him and it took him several years to get out of depression. He now talks widely on the subject from a practical perspective.
This case highlights several things. It states for example that public perception of mental illness is:
• That it is a stigma
• That people fear those with mental illness and avoid those who suffer from mental illness
• That people talk behind the backs of those people who suffer from mental illness.
The case raises a few questions for me. It highlights the need for public education. It demonstrates that a Psychologist is not the best person to always see when a person suffers from Mood Disorder of any kind. Some people suffering from anxiety disorder or depression get out of it and than relapse. Others continue to suffer for the rest of their lives.
My friend played Rugby League when he initially suffered from Mood Disorder.
There are several other cases I am aware of where famous football players have suffered from Mood Disorder but have effectively hidden their suffering from everyone. Another famous Rugby League player for example recently admitted to suffering from multiple personality disorder after retirement. He played the game so well and was regarded as one of the best players of all times. No one ever therefore realised what he was suffering from when he was a player. His friend close to him said that he was the closest friend to this famous player but never realised that he suffered from such a condition.
This case highlights the need to share your condition with your close friends. The first step is to see a GP. Following tests, a GP can recommend the best option.
You do not have to suffer in silence.
Kris Varma is an expert on the subject of Mood Disorder. Having written several articles, and material on the subject, Kris is a widely sought after speaker on the subject.
To consult Kris, visit his website http://www.solvedgroup.com or write to kris@solvedgroup.com to share your views on this article or any others he has written.
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