The AFL Players’ Association and Australian Football League have joined with beyondblue: the national depression initiative to tackle depression, anxiety and related problems among AFL players and staff who work with them.

The initiative was launched by AFLPA CEO Brendon Gale, beyondblue Chairman Jeff Kennett, AFL General Manager Football Operations and North Melbourne full forward Nathan Thompson (all pictured).

In 2007, a training session called ‘Tackling Depression’ was presented to players at their individual clubs and then later to coaches, umpires, staff of football clubs, the AFL and AFLPA.

The session raises awareness of the signs and symptoms of depression, to reduce the stigma often associated with depression and to encourage people to seek help.

Videotaped interviews and mini-dramas are incorporated into the training sessions. These include:

* An interview with Kangaroos player Nathan Thompson who talks about his experience of depression and recovery

* An interview with Swans player Adam Goodes who discusses what could make an Indigenous player susceptible to depression and where help’s available

* And two mini-dramas in a sports setting which illustrate:

behaviour which could indicate a person is depressed

how to approach a person who may be having a tough time.

Several fact sheets have been produced by beyondblue (in association with the AFL and AFLPA) addressing common concerns about medical and psychological treatment for depression and the likely impact on performance.

AFL Players’ Association Chief Executive Officer Brendon Gale said: “The AFL Players’ Association fully supports this industry wide effort aimed at tackling depression within the AFL.

“The AFLPA and beyondblue have worked together to ensure that the information delivered to players is relevant to the AFL football environment.

“With good reason, the prevention and treatment of physical injury to AFL players is the subject of tremendous effort and thought. But it’s also appropriate that a similar level of commitment and energy is given to the prevention and treatment of mental illness.

“By partnering with Australia’s leading depression awareness organisation beyondblue, we are confident that we are providing best practice support and information to AFL players and indeed our staff.”

beyondblue Chairman The Hon. Jeff Kennett said: “For too long there have been players who’ve been afraid to seek help for depression for fear of jeopardising their careers. It’s time to get rid of the stigma and misconceptions associated with depression and its treatment to give the players’ mental health the same attention we give their physical health.”

AFL General Manager Football Operations Adrian Anderson said the Tackling Depression training session would provide a better understanding about impact and triggers of depression and related illness and those seeking assistance will be encouraged as early as possible.

“Like many people in the broader community who experience depression, players generally feel ashamed to reveal this illness because of the lack of awareness. This program will help people in football to be more aware of symptoms and ensure players get the support and assistance they need,” Mr Anderson said.

Sessions have begun separately for players, club & AFL staff and umpires nationally.

To view the AFL Players' Association / Beyond Blue website - please click below -

http://afl.beyondblue.org.au/?DFGdd98hhj=E229988336609821Ezxx&Attempting...