Geelong star Bailey Smith has used his All-Australian acceptance interview to share that he spent four weeks in a mental health facility.<\/p>\n
Admitting he had “never said that before”, the Cats midfielder stunned guests at Thursday’s AFL Awards night with raw honesty about his mental health during an on-stage chat with host Mark Howard.<\/p>\n
If you or anyone you know needs help:Lifeline <\/a>on 13 11 141800RESPECT<\/a> on 1800 737 732safe steps<\/a> on 1800 015 188Kids Helpline <\/a>on 1800 551 800MensLine Australia <\/a>on 1300 789 978Suicide Call Back Service <\/a>on 1300 659 467Beyond Blue<\/a> on 1300 224 636Headspace<\/a> on 1800 650 890ReachOut<\/a> at au.reachout.com<\/a><\/p>\n Smith has previously detailed challenges with depression and anxiety, but said his mental health deteriorated after a knee injury ruled him out of the entire 2024 season.<\/p>\n “It was about a year ago, I got out of a psych ward,” Smith said.<\/p>\n “I was in Epworth Camberwell for like four weeks, and I got out a couple hours a day, and I spent that training.<\/p>\n “I went through a really dark time. I didn’t think I’d get to the other side.<\/p>\n “I’m super grateful to be here through the support of my family, my manager Robbie (D’Orazio), been there through the shocking times.<\/p>\n “I know it’s just an injury, but until you experience it and have a sense of identity taken away from you, and then go through some teething issues with and moving clubs and outside noise, and still trying to just grow up and rehab a knee.<\/p>\n “I’m super grateful to be on the other side of it.<\/p>\n “I wouldn’t change it for the world, but certainly surprised to be where I am.”<\/p>\n Smith moved to Geelong during last year’s trade period following six seasons at the Western Bulldogs.<\/p>\n The 25-year-old has been an instant success with the Cats, helping power them into premiership favouritism ahead of another finals campaign.<\/p>\n After Smith’s revelation, he received further questions about his challenges in an unexpected turn from the normal All-Australian interviews.<\/p>\n