\u201cI had no reference to mental health. My reference was One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. I thought that I was just going insane. And, you know, [my doctor] said, \u2018JK, it’s an illness, not a weakness, and you can get better.\u2019\u201d Kirwan remembers how useful he found it when the psychiatrist explained his illness in injury terms. \u201cShe said, \u2018what would you do if you had a tight hamstring?\u2019 I said, \u2018I\u2019d stop, ice it, and go and see the physio.\u2019 She said, \u2018Your brain is no different.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
In the modern era, many people including elite athletes are opening up about their mental health journeys, and the values of seeking treatment, or taking breaks. But in the \u201890s, mental health was not openly discussed, and the stigma was overwhelming. Similarly, today, many health problems are still considered taboo to talk about. \u201cI think vulnerability is probably the biggest strength you can have,\u201d Kirwan says. \u201cBecause my mental health journey, especially for New Zealanders, has been so public, people see that vulnerability and feel comfortable talking to me about it. The most important thing is your health. You must share it because a problem shared is a problem halved.\u201d<\/p>\n
In 2005, after his retirement, Kirwan was queuing for a test match. \u201cA young man in a suit came up next to me and he tapped me on the shoulder, said, \u2018Hi JK, if it wasn’t for you, I’d be dead.\u2019 If we can have the courage to share every day, then we start changing our society.\u201d<\/p>\n