An incredibly brave Bailey Smith has revealed his personal battle with mental health, sharing that he spent a month in a psychiatric ward before his successful move to Geelong. The star midfielder was selected as an All-Australian for the first time on Thursday night, following a spectacular debut season with the Cats.
Smith’s candid admission came during the AFL Awards, where he spoke about the challenges he faced during his final year with the Western Bulldogs. The period was marked by the rehabilitation of an ACL injury and the pressure of an impending trade. “It was about a year ago I got out of a psych ward – I was in Epworth Camberwell for like four weeks,” Smith shared on Fox Footy. “I went through a really dark time.”
From Darkness to Recognition
Smith’s journey to recovery and subsequent success is a testament to his resilience and the support he received from his family and management. “I’m super grateful to be here through the support of my family, my manager Robbie being there through the shocking times,” he expressed. The midfielder emphasized the importance of mental health treatment, likening it to physical rehabilitation. “If you have an injury mentally, it’s just rehabbing it and keeping on top of that,” he explained.
“It was hard (going into the psych ward). But it was something I sort of had to do. I still see my psych today. It sort of just helps me.” – Bailey Smith
Normalizing Mental Health Discussions
Smith’s openness about his mental health struggles is part of a broader movement to destigmatize mental health issues, especially in the high-pressure world of professional sports. His comments highlight a growing recognition that mental health is as critical as physical health. “The word gets thrown around a lot these days – mental health. I suppose it’s an excuse in some cases. It’s not a sympathy, ‘poor me’ thing. It’s more to raise awareness you can put your hand up,” he said.
Smith’s story resonates with many, as mental health challenges are increasingly acknowledged in the sports community. Experts suggest that athletes face unique pressures that can exacerbate mental health issues, including performance anxiety and public scrutiny. By sharing his story, Smith hopes to inspire others to seek help and to normalize mental health treatment.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, Smith remains focused on his career and personal growth. “It’s been pretty surreal to be where I am now – there’s so much work to be done,” he noted. His journey underscores the importance of perseverance and the value of seeking support during difficult times. “If we can normalize that (treatment of mental health), the better we can see the community become, both young men and young women,” he concluded.
Smith’s revelations come at a time when mental health awareness is gaining momentum across various sectors, including sports. His courage in speaking out serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing mental health openly and with compassion.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact: beyondblue 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au; Mens Line 1300 789 978; Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au.
