At assembly today we were privileged to have a presentation from former All Black, Warrior, Super 15 and international rugby coach, Sir John Kirwan. Post his international sporting career Sir John has spoken openly about his battle with depression and is actively involved in mental health and depression awareness campaigns in New Zealand. This was the topic of his presentation today.
Some of the key messages from Sir John included:
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The
importance of bringing depression and suicide into the open – they are topics
that need to be discussed openly for the good of our society in general.
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It is
usual to feel down at times as life is full of knocks. This is normal. However, if you cannot shake these feelings,
it is vital that you reach out and seek help.
- ·
If a
friend or family member reaches out to us, this is a courageous step. It is essential that we embrace them, listen
to and accept them, and support them in seeking help
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Many
of our greatest lessons come in our most difficult times. He highlighted that being dropped from the
All Blacks in 1993 was, in hindsight, one of the best ‘lessons’ he
experienced. Being resilient in such
situations is essential.
- ·
Failing
to get selected into a team or group, or being dropped, is not personal – “it’s
just how it is.”
- ·
Mental
illness and depression is just that, an illness, not a weakness. Sir John made a comparison to a sporting
injury – we treat this in an appropriate manner by visiting a doctor and
physiotherapist. Treating a mental
illness or depression is just the same – we get treatment and we recover.
- ·
How
quickly we get onto a diagnosis and getting help will partly determine the
length of time recovery takes – the same as with a physical injury. Being proactive in seeking help, or in
helping a friend or family member get help, is important.
Sir John has written about his depression in two books, ‘All Back’s Don’t Cry’ and ‘Stand By Me’. We were fortunate to have two copies of each of these books donated to the school, and these are now available from the school library.
Depression, suicide and a range of other mental health problems are, unfortunately, growing issues facing young men today. This evening via our school Facebook page, we will post some further information about depression and mental illness. If you are concerned about your son, a friend or family member, please be proactive in seeking help. The school Guidance Counsellor is available (3545176 ext. 764) for students, and is able to recommend other sources of support should your concern be with a friend or family member who is not a student.
Thank you very much to Sir John for fitting us into his very busy schedule, and thanks also to Westpac bank for their support in making this presentation possible.
