Dustin Martin reveals he battled depression during 2018 season

Richmond star Dustin Martin has revealed he reached out for help after struggling with anxiety and depression following his all-conquering 2017 AFL season.

Richmond star Dustin Martin has revealed he reached out for help after struggling with anxiety and depression following his all-conquering 2017 AFL season.

Martin swept all before him in 2017, winning the Brownlow and Norm Smith Medals as the Tigers broke a 37-year premiership drought. But he struggled to back up that level of performance last season, and it took a bigger toll than previously known.

“I haven’t told too many people this, but I found 2018 to be really hard,” Martin said in an interview with The Age’s Executive Style magazine.

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“I woke with a weird empty feeling inside and it was really strange. I had everything I wanted and everything I dreamt of, but I didn’t feel fulfilled or happy. I didn’t know what was going on.”

Dustin Martin and the Tigers couldn’t repeat their remarkable 2017 results.

Martin said he started to worry what people would say about him if his form didn’t match his 2017 heights, and found solace in daily meditation sessions and a rediscovered love of reading.

“It made me realise what’s important in life,” he said. “Speaking up initially gave me more anxiety and depression as I kept wondering why I was feeling this way. I came to realise that the materialistic things in life don’t rate; it’s the small things that matter most

Dustin Martin was one of Richmond’s best playesrs in the JLT Series.

“I realised it doesn’t matter what people think. If I just do my best, that’s all I can do. I stopped worrying and I was suddenly free.

“It was small guided steps, but I learned to live my best life and not take on board what others think of me.

“Mental health is a huge issue not only in sport, but in society. I would encourage anyone who is struggling with something big or small to have the courage to ask for help.”

People seeking help for mental health problems can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 or Kid’s Helpline on 1800 55 1800

Originally published as Dustin Martin reveals he battled depression during 2018 season