Hawthorn and Sydney will put a spotlight on the importance of talking about mental health this Friday night when they go to battle for the annual beyondblue Cup at the MCG.
beyondblue and Hawthorn Football Club have been working together since 2006 with the aim to create an Australian community that understands anxiety and depression, and empowers every person, at any life stage, to seek help for mental health conditions.
Fans are encouraged to be in their seats at 7.15pm with pre-game entertainment provided by Ministry of Entertainment headed by renowned Australian dancer, choreographer and producer Jason Coleman. The performance will depict a futuristic football scene which will include LED illuminated dancers and an array of performers representing both Hawthorn and Sydney.
Hawthorn players will run through a blue banner and beyondblue Chair Julia Gillard will present the cup to the victorious team at the conclusion of the game.
Hawthorn CEO Tracey Gaudry highlighted the importance of the match in helping the club in their mission to continue to reduce the stigma around mental health.
“At Hawthorn, we believe talking about mental health is the game changer. We want our fans to know we’re comfortable talking about mental health issues and they should be too,” Gaudry said.
“As an AFL club, we have the ability to educate the community on the power of positive mental health and to ensure people understand the importance of seeking help and understanding the services available to them.
“Friday’s match provides a terrific platform for people to talk openly about mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, whether it’s with a teammate, coach, friend or family member.
“Our partnership with beyondblue is now in its 12th year and we are very proud of the work we have done, and continue to do, in helping improve mental health throughout our community.”
More than three million Australians are living with anxiety or depression but only 46 per cent of those people access the help they need.
Depression is a high risk factor for suicide. Suicide rates in Australia have never been higher, especially for men – more than eight people take their lives each day and six of them are men.
beyondblue CEO Georgie Harman said despite growing community awareness of mental health and suicide prevention, stigma remains a barrier for many people when it comes to seeking help.
“We’ve seen a number of high profile AFL players talk about their mental health and it just shows that anxiety and depression can affect anyone; no one is immune,” Ms Harman said.
“The more people talk about these conditions, the more we smash that stigma and the sooner people get the support they need and get on with their lives.”
Hawthorn Football Club is urging supporters to make mental health a talking point with their families, friends and at their sports and community clubs across the country and to support beyondblue’s work by donating at beyondblue.org.au/beyondbluecup.
Mental health professionals are available 24/7 at the beyondblue Support Service – 1300 22 46 36 or via beyondblue.org.au/get-support for online chat (3pm-12am AEST) or email response.
