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Ep. 36 - Lance Picioane: AFL, substance abuse and feeling suicidal
Lance Picioane is a former first round draft pick and AFL footballer who established mental health foundation Love Me Love You in 2013 to empower the community to take control of their mental wellbeing and to live happier, more fulfilling lives.
As a teenager and throughout his AFL career, Lance was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. Instead of asking for help, Lance turned to partying and substance abuse. By being truthful with himself, his family and his friends, Lance turned a corner and sought help. Although he still has his down days, Lance now lives a life full of love and happiness. Love Me Love You programs are based on Lance’s experiences and are aimed at educating and empowering the community about the importance of mental health on their wellbeing journey.
_____
I had the privilege of sitting down with Lance Picioane in Melbourne last week to have a brutally honest conversation about depression.
In our chat, Lance shares his story of playing AFL whilst not coping mentally and how he used partying, drugs and alcohol to escape feelings of low self worth. He shares lots of helpful advice for anyone who might be dealing with similar difficulties.
My key takeaways:
- Not being a victim: the importance of taking control of my own recovery journey in seeking the help I need
- How loved ones can support each other by listening, rather than by trying to problem solve or "fix" the person
- How asking myself "Am I being the person I want to be right now?" might help getting me out of a low place
Important note: if you are struggling with depression or feelings of worthlessness, you are not alone, and the help you need is out there. It's not easy to talk about these things, but hopefully honest conversations like this might help you realise that it's okay to ask for help (even when you are the CEO of a mental health foundation).
If you need to speak to somebody, there are people who will listen and help.
For urgent support in Australia:
Lifeline - 13 11 14 / www.lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636 / www.beyondblue.org.au
Outside Australia: Search 24/7 crisis support services to find services in your country
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Lance Picioane is a former first round draft pick and AFL footballer who established mental health foundation Love Me Love You in 2013 to empower the community to take control of their mental wellbeing and to live happier, more fulfilling lives.
As a teenager and throughout his AFL career, Lance was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. Instead of asking for help, Lance turned to partying and substance abuse. By being truthful with himself, his family and his friends, Lance turned a corner and sought help. Although he still has his down days, Lance now lives a life full of love and happiness. Love Me Love You programs are based on Lance’s experiences and are aimed at educating and empowering the community about the importance of mental health on their wellbeing journey.
_____
I had the privilege of sitting down with Lance Picioane in Melbourne last week to have a brutally honest conversation about depression.
In our chat, Lance shares his story of playing AFL whilst not coping mentally and how he used partying, drugs and alcohol to escape feelings of low self worth. He shares lots of helpful advice for anyone who might be dealing with similar difficulties.
My key takeaways:
- Not being a victim: the importance of taking control of my own recovery journey in seeking the help I need
- How loved ones can support each other by listening, rather than by trying to problem solve or "fix" the person
- How asking myself "Am I being the person I want to be right now?" might help getting me out of a low place
Important note: if you are struggling with depression or feelings of worthlessness, you are not alone, and the help you need is out there. It's not easy to talk about these things, but hopefully honest conversations like this might help you realise that it's okay to ask for help (even when you are the CEO of a mental health foundation).
If you need to speak to somebody, there are people who will listen and help.
For urgent support in Australia:
Lifeline - 13 11 14 / www.lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636 / www.beyondblue.org.au
Outside Australia: Search 24/7 crisis support services to find services in your country