sport news Greg Inglis reveals how horrific mental health stories in his new role leave ... trends now
As an NRL player, Greg Inglis faced up to the biggest challenges the game had to throw at him. But that was nothing compared to the reality that is facing him in Australia's regional and rural communities today.
Inglis faced his own demons after his playing career ended, seeking help after his second stint in rehab for alcohol problems and depression. He was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder and today has the medication, therapy and support he needs.
Australia's mental health battles are well documented, but Inglis is now working to help the forgotten Australians, the children and adults who feel there is no help and no hope.
Inglis holds regular clinics around the country in rural and regional areas, welcoming young people to speak to him privately about their struggles so he can help them
The Goanna Academy was formed in 2020 by Inglis and aims to end the stigma surrounding mental health in Australia, especially for Indigenous Australians, men, and young people.
The NRL legend's personal story aims to inspire, educate, and influence Australians so they can prevent, reduce and prevent mental health issues.
Inglis admits the stories he hears in those regional communities are 'heartbreaking' and require him to take a few hours each day for meditative sleep.
Often he will need to seek out his own professional help to process the horrific stories he hears from Aussie battlers in towns like Orange in New South Wales and Toowoomba in Queensland.
'I then need to seek help too. It happens regularly,' Inglis admitted to The Daily Telegraph.
'But you can’t work in this space without working on yourself.
From the highest highs of winning an NRL premiership with the South Sydney Rabbitohs...
...to the lowest lows including retirement, addiction, depression and eventually a diagnosis
His work is making an enormous difference, though. Inglis said at least six people have told him he saved their lives. The youngest was just 13.
Inglis does not want to betray the confidence of the young people that are seeking his help, but the issues they face are horrific. Sexual abuse and self-harm are alarmingly common issues.
That is why it is so draining for him, but for his work to be effective, it has to be Greg Inglis the mental health survivor, not Greg Inglis the footballer.
'Because kids especially, they can smell bulls**t a
