Hawthorn premiership defender Josh Gibson has sought professional help for anxiety during his career

HAWTHORN premiership hero Josh Gibson has revealed he has battled “severe anxiety” during his career and has sought professional help to deal with his mental health issues.

Josh Gibson has revealed he has sought professional help for mental health issues. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

TRIPLE premiership Hawthorn great Josh Gibson has courageously revealed a battle with severe anxiety.

The dual best-and-fairest winner for Hawthorn in premiership seasons said on Friday night he had received professional help for his mental health issues.

Gibson is seen as one of the most assured and confident players in the AFL and will retire as one of the footy’s most decorated players.

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But he said on Friday various triggers including negative media scrutiny sometimes brought on feelings of panic and anxiety.

“I am a bloke that has dealt with severe anxiety in the past, I have seen psychologists. There are times when you are playing footy that it can be tough,” he told SEN.

Josh Gibson has revealed he has sought professional help for mental health issues. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

“There is media scrutiny and it piles up on guys. I am really happy to see them step up and say they have got an issue.”

Gibson said he had some obsessive compulsive disorder that at times brought on feelings of stress and anxiety.

“I have got a bit of OCD. There are things outside of your control and they can stress you,’’ he said.

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“It could be an article that is written about you, we have got social media.

“I am not one to read what is written about me on those forums but other guys see that.

“For me there have been articles which have really heightened my anxiety and it’s being able to deal with it.

“In the day and age we are in it’s a lot easier to speak to people and feel confident about talking about these things as a footballer.”

Josh Gibson has won three premierships with the Hawks. Picture: Wayne aludvey

GWS player Tom Downie quit football earlier this year after being unable to cope with severe anxiety.

He said earlier this week at one stage he felt so panicked he rushed straight off the ground during a game, feeling instant relief to be away from the football.

Gibson said players were seduced by positive coverage on social media and internet message rooms then were shocked when the momentum turned.

“On those forums you have keyboard warriors who say nice things when you play well but when things aren’t going your way they quickly turn on you.

“Players can get sucked into reading those things when you are doing well and it’s feeding your ego and then they turn on you and it can become brutal.”

The AFLPA says one in five players battle mental health issues — the same number as their age demographic for males in Australian society.