Geelong star Bailey Smith is receiving widespread reward after revealing he spent a month in a psych ward final season as he labored to return to the sphere and set up his spot on a brand new workforce.
A day after he was named on the first All-Australian team of his career, a speech he delivered on Thursday night time has been hailed as “courageous”, “highly effective” and “unreal”.
A tough 12-month restoration from an ACL harm was adopted by a powerful season on debut in Cats colors for Smith, who on Thursday night time was additionally awarded AFL Coaches Affiliation Champion Participant of the 12 months.
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However the exterior noise that adopted his identify forward of the season noticed Smith tackle a personal battle with the help of his household and administration.
The 24-year-old candidly opened up on his struggles together with his personal psychological well being on Thursday night and revealed he voluntarily checked himself right into a psychological well being ward.
Smith had not publicly spoken about his time within the ward earlier than his acceptance speech, leaving all in attendance on the AFL Awards ceremony applauding.
Mark Howard interviews Bailey Smith of the Cats. AFL Pictures by way of Getty Photographs
“It was a couple of 12 months in the past that I obtained out of the psych ward,” Smith stated.
“I used to be in Epworth Psychological Well being Clinic for about 4 weeks. I obtained a pair (of) hours out a day, which I spent coaching.
“I went via a extremely darkish time, and I did not assume I might get to the opposite aspect.
“I am grateful to be right here with the help of my household and my supervisor, Robbie. They have been there via the surprising instances.”
Smith suffered an ACL harm in December 2023 and didn’t return for the Western Bulldogs throughout the 2024 season.
He then secured a commerce to Geelong within the low season.
“I do know it’s simply an harm, however till you type of expertise it and have your sense of identification taken away from you after which undergo some teething points with shifting golf equipment, exterior noise, nonetheless making an attempt to develop up and rehabbing a knee … I am tremendous grateful to be on the opposite aspect of it,” he stated.
“I would not change it for the world, however I’m definitely stunned to be the place I’m. It was arduous, but it surely was one thing that I needed to do. I nonetheless see my psych as a result of it helps me.
“I initially felt, not weak, however emasculated slightly bit, needing to succeed in out for assist. I simply modified my mindset. When you have a (bodily) harm, it is advisable rehab within the health club. When you have a psychological harm, you need to rehab it.”
Bailey Smith after being awarded the AFL Coaches Affiliation Champion Participant of the 12 months. AFL Pictures by way of Getty Photographs
Fox Footy’s Mark Howard, who was internet hosting the AFL Awards, congratulated Smith for being so open about his struggles in entrance of such a big gathering of individuals.
Smith then known as for the neighborhood to normalise in search of assist for psychological well being.
“If we will normalise that, the higher we will see the neighborhood turn into, each younger males and younger ladies,” Smith stated.
“The phrase will get thrown round lots as of late; psychological well being is an excuse in some instances. However it isn’t a sympathy ‘poor me’ factor. (There) is extra to do to lift consciousness which you can put your hand up and get assist.
“Simply at all times know that no matter darkish interval you’re going via, that in the future it would make sense. It is a robust interval, however I would not change it for the world.
“It has been fairly surreal to be the place I’m now. There’s a lot work to be accomplished. Odor the roses whilst you can, however I’ve simply obtained to maintain going.”
In the event you or anybody you understand wants quick help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or by way of lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, name 000
