“In the early stage of my career it was, you don’t show any vulnerability, you don’t show any pain, you just get on with things.
At first, it didn’t feel like a pressure because it was so normal, particularly being from Huddersfield, the working class background, where men are brought up as men, and any sign of vulnerability is a ‘weakness’.
I experienced a severe period of depression just over halfway through my career. I think, looking back, I’d probably been depressed several times before, but I just didn’t really know, or I didn’t really understand. But this time was a bit different."
Ex-professional rugby player, Kearnan Myall, opens up about his own mental health struggles both on and off the pitch. And how by understanding his own mental health he’s now at a place where he really enjoys life.
“If you are struggling, then don’t be afraid to have that conversation with somebody who’s close to you, don’t be afraid to show a bit of vulnerability, because showing vulnerability can be a really huge sign of strength.”