Hawthorn Football Club is proud of its partnership with beyondblue, allowing the Club to give experiences to those who may have suffered or are suffering from depression and anxiety.

The Hawks recently met Terry Lloyd - the Club’s first #1 fan of the week - in Adelaide.

Terry has shared his experiences with depression and anxiety in an open letter to Hawks President Jeff Kennett and the Club.

Hi to all Hawks supporters,

My name is Terry Lloyd and I am writing here today to thank Jeff Kennett and Hawthorn Football Club. I am a major depression sufferer from the city of Broken Hill in the far west of New South Wales.

Over the last several years - as a result of depression - I have lost my marriage, my business, my passion, and myself as a functioning person.

My saviour and only reason for living was my three children; Jake, Tanner, and Tahnni.

With my boys being avid Hawk fans, we travel each year to Adelaide to see them play. To repay the love my children have shown in me through my dark times of depression, I approached the Hawks and (President) Jeff Kennett to see if we could possibly meet a player (as this would so make my boys’ day).

I was so humbled by the offer and the opportunity for Jake and Tanner to visit the change rooms before the Hawks v Crows match, and doubt I can ever repay Jeff Kennett, Max Bailey (who passed on his #1 guernsey to the fans) and Hawthorn for this privilege. Thanks comes from deep within me.

Besides the result, this was one of the most memorable times of my life, and seeing the joy in my kids’ eyes still almost brings me to tears, to make me feel like a father again is so humbling.

Please do not underestimate depression.

The work Jeff Kennett and Hawthorn Football Club do in raising awareness and supporting sufferers is simply great.

Don’t lose your passion, don’t ignore the signs, and don’t be embarrassed.

Ask for help; the support is there, please use it.

For more information on depression and related illnesses, visit beyondblue.org.au

Find out more about the Club's relationship with Youthbeyondblue - the arm of beyondblue with a specific focus on young people.