Fremantle winger Nathan O’Driscoll has opened up on his battles with anxiety and “deep depressive states” in a raw and powerful social media post, revealing he’s gone “extremely close” to taking his own life on three occasions.
O’Driscoll also urged his followers to “reach out, stay connected, and be kind to yourself”.
The moving Instagram post comes after Carlton midfielder Elijah Hollands’ admission to hospital following a mental health episode during his side’s clash with Collingwood at the MCG on April 16.
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It also follows the death of Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson’s brother, Jaryd. He went missing in regional South Australia in mid-April and police found a body in their search for him. Police said at the time his death wasn’t being treated as suspicious.
O’Driscoll, who’s played 40 AFL games for the Dockers, said he “wasn’t going to post this”, but felt the time was right considering “the recent focus on mental health around the league”.
Nathan O’Driscoll in action for Fremantle. Getty
“Over the past four years, I’ve had some incredible highs, but also some very low moments. I’ve struggled with anxiety, a constant need to feel like I belong, and always putting others before myself,” the 23-year-old wrote.
“There have been times where I’ve fallen into deep depressive states and three separate times where I’ve been extremely close to committing suicide.
“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.
“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.”
He said he’d always tried to be a “positive, selfless person”, but had come to learn “it’s okay to put yourself first sometimes”.
“Valuing yourself is just as important as valuing others,” he wrote.
“The past few weeks have been especially tough after losing someone close to me, but leaning on my family, friends, and teammates has meant everything. I’m incredibly grateful for the people around me. 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.
“You are loved. You are seen. You are heard.
“Much love,
“Nath ❤️.”
American AFL star Mason Cox, who crossed from Collingwood to Fremantle during the off-season, commented: “Love ya brother! ❤️ always here for you mate.”
O’Driscoll is the brother of Fremantle AFLW star Emma O’Driscoll and former Western Bulldogs player Aiden O’Driscoll.
Aiden commented: “We all love you Nath. I’ll always be here for you, the best big brother anyone could ask for❤️ You’re such a good person bro🤩.”
O’Driscoll accompanied his Instagram post with pictures of him with friends and family.
Fremantle’s fierce local rivals, West Coast, replied with a purple love heart, the Dockers’ primary colour.
If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.