The family and teammates of Nathan O’Driscoll have expressed love and support for the Fremantle midfielder after he posted an unfiltered account on social media of his mental health challenges.
The 23-year-old, who has played just twice this year for his home town club the Dockers, shared on Instagram that he has come close to taking his life three times, and that recent weeks have been especially challenging after the death of someone close to him.
“I’m sharing this because speaking up matters. No one is there to judge you, every person I’ve opened up to has supported me in ways I never expected,” he said.
“From the outside, it might look like I have everything, but what’s going on internally can be a very different story. Everyone is dealing with something, and it’s okay to not be okay.”
The post triggered an outpouring of support. His older sister Emma, who plays for the Dockers in the AFLW, said she was proud of him “as a person first, always”, adding: “We are here to support you and make a change in this space so others feel as safe and as brave as you to speak up.”
His younger brother Aiden, who was drafted to the Western Bulldogs but medically retired before playing due to a head injury, said O’Driscoll was “the best big brother anyone could ask for”.
Dockers teammates such as Caleb Serong, Murphy Reid and captain Alex Pearce offered their support.
Fremantle have surged to a 6-1 record this season – winning six on the trot – and O’Driscoll has not played since he was omitted for the clash against Richmond in round three.
He said he was initially hesitant to share his story, but in the end it felt like the right time “with the recent focus on mental health around the league”.
Carlton player Elijah Hollands was admitted to hospital last week after a mental health episode during a match against Collingwood, and there have been growing calls for a mental health round.
O’Driscoll said he has had both “incredible highs” and also “some very low moments” in his four-year career, revealing a struggle with anxiety and a “a constant need to feel like I belong, and always putting others before myself”.
“I’ve always tried to be a positive, selfless person, but I’ve learned it’s okay to put yourself first sometimes,” he said. “Valuing yourself is just as important as valuing others.”
Fremantle executive general manager, Joe Brierty, said the club was proud of O’Driscoll “for speaking so openly” about his mental health.
“This is a struggle many in our society deal with daily, and often silently, so it’s an important conversation as our industry continues to evolve the mental health framework in place to support our people,” Brierty said.
The club will continue to provide support to the midfielder, while O’Driscoll said he was “incredibly grateful” for the people around him.
“There is so much good in this world. Whatever you’re going through, it will get better. Reach out, stay connected, and be kind to yourself.”
• In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, you can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org
