Surfing legend Mick Fanning opens up on mental health struggles after death of third brother

Surfing legend Mick Fanning has called on young men to be open to help as he detailed his own mental health journey, following his brother’s death.

Surfing legend Mick Fanning has opened up about his mental health struggles after losing his third brother – urging young men to do the most “courageous” thing and speak up and seek help

Fanning, a three-time world surfing champion, recently farewelled his brother Ed in a touching memorial service where mourners paddled out into the waves of Snapper Rocks, a famous Queensland surf break.

Ed was Mick’s last surviving brother after his two other siblings, Sean and Peter, died in 1998 and 2015 respectively.

Appearing with NRL star Kieran Foran and fellow surfing champ Joel Parkinson on a video posted to the Gold Coast Titans’ website, Fanning revealed his family and friends – including his long friendship with Parkinson – had helped him get through the dark times.

Surfing legends Mick Fanning (left) and Joel Parkinson (right) opened up about their mental health journeys with NRL star and Titans playmaker Kieran Foran. Picture: Supplied / Gold Coast Titans

Fanning recently lost his third brother Ed in March, leading a memorial service in Coolangatta a month later. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard.

“They know you best,” Fanning said.

“If I ever have something going on, he (Parkinson) just looks at me and goes: ‘What’s up?’

“It’s great to have those people there.”

The Titans will be supporting Top Blokes and Logan’s Legacy as part of their Round 14 match, following the loss of Foran’s stepson Logan Steinwede.

In the video, Fanning said there was a misconception about the mental health of sporting athletes.

“When you strip all that back, you’re just human, like everyone else,” he said.

Ed Fanning died in March after suffering cardiac complications after a cut to his foot became infected while working at the Madasurf camp in Madagascar.

In 1998, Mick lost his older sibling Sean in a car crash, aged just 20.

His other brother Peter died from heart complications in 2015.

Fanning said losing Sean was particularly tough, as everyone was telling him to “be strong”.

He interpreted that as showing “no emotion” and not letting anyone in.

Mick Fanning and his brother Ed, who died in March this year from an infection after cutting his foot while working in Madagascar. Picture: Supplied / Instagram

Fanning said he relied heavily on his family and friends for support when his mental health was at his lowest, especially after losing his older brother Sean while he was just a teenager. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

“So I had this wall that would only come down when I was in my room by myself,” Fanning said.

“People would do the same thing, they are sitting there, they are like: ‘How are you?’

“As I went on in life, I learned that you’ve got to deal with those things then and there because they are only going to get bigger and worse in your head.”

He urged other people who were facing mental health troubles to open up, saying it was the “most courageous thing” to do.

“For me, through my journeys, it was always calling a friend, or talking to a parent or my family. Those people that are closest to you, they’ve got unconditional love. They will try and do whatever they can to try and help you,” Fanning said.

Hundreds of people turned out at the Greenmount Beach Surf Club on the Gold Coast to celebrate the life of Ed Fanning in April. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Mick Fanning and his mother Elizabeth during the service. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

“It is so easy to get in touch with these people. And in no way should it be embarrassing whatsoever, it is more courageous that you do go and speak up.”

Foran has also been open with his struggles, revealing his wife Karina Ormsby saved his life as his world spiralled from his mental health and gambling problems.

In April Fanning led the memorial paddle-out for his brother Ed, sharing a tribute on his Instagram profile.

“I want to thank my family and friends for all the amazing support they have shown not only me but everyone that loved Ed,” he said.

“I know Ed is always with me. The memories and good times we shared for so many years will always be with me. I give thanks for that.

“Some incredible stories were told today as people telling their versions of the funny and wild s**t he used to do.

“Please keep telling them as Ed would want you all to laugh.”

Originally published as Surfing legend Mick Fanning opens up on mental health struggles after death of third brother