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Inside Bulldogs star's mental health battle
'Really dark days':
BY GRACE BALDWIN
Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith has opened up about the depth of his mental health battles after video and images of him taking drugs were leaked online.
Speaking to the Herald Sun, Smith said it was almost a relief the images of his drug taking had been leaked, and that he was ready to be accountable and get help.
Smith said the shattering aftermath of the grand final loss to the Demons in 2021 was a trigger for his mental deterioration.
Downward spiral
Smith spent a month on the Gold Coast after the season finished and it was during this time the video was taken. Despite a happy facade on social media, Smith was suffering crippling mental health issues.
It all caught up to him in December last year when he took leave from the Bulldogs for what was described at the time as "personal reasons".
Smith found it hard to resist the alluring party lifestyle in the whirlwind of 2021, and said his experience showed anyone could be sucked in and make bad choices.
Party scene trap
An advocate for mental health, Smith said his struggle with anxiety and depression was “not an excuse” for his behaviour, but he felt it “provided context” as to why he made a “stupid decision”.
Road to recovery
With the help of his family, girlfriend Gemma Dawkins and the Bulldogs, Smith believes he can improve and grow as a person from this episode.
Swipe up to read the full interview
Producer: Andrew Piva																											

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/web-stories/free/herald-sun/bailey-smith-drugs-bulldogs-star-reveals-mental-health-struggles