Garry Lyon talks about mental health illness fight: ‘I’m trying to get myself right’
TELEVISION and football star Garry Lyon says he is taking it “a day at a time” as he continues to battle his mental health demons.
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GARRY Lyon is taking it “a day at a time” as he continues to battle his mental health demons.
In an exclusive interview with the Herald Sun this week, the television and football star said he ignored the constant comeback speculation and locker room gossip to focus solely on his road to recovery.
“I’m trying to get myself right,” Lyon said.
“That’s really what I’m trying to do. Working on getting healthy is the main thing.”
Manager Craig Kelly revealed in February the Channel 9 personality was battling a “serious and complex” mental illness.
It followed shock news he had been seeing The Footy Show best buddy Billy Brownless’s ex-wife, Nicky.
Asked about his relationship with Nicky, Lyon said: “It is such a private thing, really.”
But he said the help and encouragement from family and loyal friends had been instrumental in getting him back on track from depression.
“I’m lucky I’ve got lots of good support,” he said.
“I am very thankful for it. And that is a positive.”
Lyon, 48, said there was still a long way to go.
In what could only be described as the toughest year of his life, Lyon knows he’s not alone in fighting the black dog.
“No, it’s not much fun,” he said. “It’s a situation that lots of people have been through and it is a hard thing to work through ... it’s a bit of a private thing that you have got to deal with ... but just trying to get healthy, that’s the only message I’ve got.”
Taking a back seat from public life to deal with his ongoing mental health issues, the legendary former Melbourne captain still can’t get away from the footy field.
Every Saturday he is a regular at whatever oval Old Xaverians under-19 reserves are playing, with his dog, Crosby, and ex-wife Melissa.
The father of three boys, Lyon said watching his sons playing on the weekends has been another positive for a high-profile footy commentator whose weekends were once chock-a-block with AFL commitments.
“Watching my boys play footy is something I hadn’t been able to do because of work,” he said. “So that has been a good thing.”
Lyon lacked his trademark blokey banter, but still managed to crack a laugh when asked about talk he was physically back in peak condition, fitter than ever.
“I don’t know who you’re talking to there,” he chuckled before agreeing footy circles were made up of the worst of all Melbourne gossips.
Lyon should know.
The gossip that followed after the scandal that rocked the footy world earlier this year was off the charts, even by AFL standards.
Everyone had an opinion, there were outrageous rumours and even doubts raised about his real and current battle with depression.
His relationship with long-time mate Billy Brownless will never be the same.
Funnyman Brownless was emotional when he opened up about the rift on The Footy Show’s first episode this year.
“We all have our ups and downs, and this one was too close to home,” he said at the time. “My initial feelings were, like anyone — you get angry.
“You’re headless, you’re angry. I shot off a couple of texts to Garry and to Nicky, which you wouldn’t want to repeat on this show. And then after a couple of days, you get embarrassed. Now, I’m just disappointed.”
Lyon told the Herald Sun he would address the issue when the time was right.
And while the rumour mill was still in overdrive, Lyon rubbished any talks of a big tell-all with Nicky Brownless.
“I would never do that,” he said. “It’s just private life and public life.”
As the footy finals play out, he will mark his 49th birthday later this month. What happens when the siren sounds next year is another matter.
Asked about the rife speculation of his 2017 return to the media spotlight, Lyon reiterated it was just one day at a time.
“I hope all that happens,” he said. “I’m just trying to get myself right first and then worry about everything else ... Work, and the other stuff, will work itself out and be what it is. I’m hoping 2017 will be better.”
MORE:PAGE 13: GARRY IN HIGH DEMAND FOR COMEBACK
PREVIOUSLY:
BROWNLESS GUTTED AFTER LEARNING OF LYON’S RELATIONSHIP WITH EX-WIFE
GARRY LYON SEEKING TREATMENT AFTER FEUD WITH BROWNLESS
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