On the stance of cynicism can we really afford to be cynical about something that takes so many lives. I'd rather be taken in by the very small minority than have a view which serves only the person holding it. Strange how peoples immediate response to the revelation of physical illness isnt one of cynicism. I've no doubt I too have 'friends' who dismiss my illness because they think they know me.

As a fellow sufferer, I've found reading this thread both sad and inspirational. The one thought that always goes through my mind is "Nobody understands or cares", to hear of others has brought home that I'm not alone. Far from it. For me it's a constant battle to find ways of taking me away from myself, if that even makes sense. I've found a few things in life that just seem to lift me, and inspire me, and its always about motivating myself to do those things rather than the routine get up-go to work-go home-drink myself stupid-repeat. Sometimes i manage it, other times (most of the time) i slump into the rut.

As for the cynicism, i understand it. Like some have said, human nature is such that people will always take advantage of certain situations to make things better for themselves. That said, and whatever the reasons for Bailey coming out, if it inspires just one other person to not suffer in silence, then for me it's worth it.

Great post!

I've had personal experience of this horrible illness and I've never read anything that comes close to describing it as well as you have. A brilliant post. Thank you mate.

So Bailey has done something good by coming out about this .Thankyou Bails

Un-intentionally maybe

I know - I was messing about....

It's fantastic that people on here have been able to discuss the matter and get something positive from this whole conversation! Great stuff...

Yes

I don't think I'm missing the point. I'm sure their is massive stigma associated with mental health issues,my point was something entirely different. Don't kid yourself that people who fake depression always have mental health issues. The one's that I know we're sly, devious people looking for financial gain. Having stood in a pub and listened to someone who faked depression advising another person what to say when he visited the doctor, I know it was greed not mental illness determining their actions.

In my fairly limited experience of social media, this thread is the most moving I have ever read.

If I am right in my thinking you are a very fine coach by the way, a view that would be endorsed by a number of the up and coming rhinos including young Mr Golding.

Keep up the good work.

Thank you, such a thoughtful post to make. It's been a privilege to work with young athletes like Ash and others and I look forward to seeing my current 16s continue their development too. The people ive come across and the focus it has given me has made a big difference to my life and I'll never forget all the players and the memories.

You are welcome, you should be proud of the contribution you have made and continue to make.

I have great respect to all that have written so openly on this thread.

I consider myself fortunate in this regard but have seen the ignorance and the damage done to para-phrase Neil Young.
Looking back I think depression was a significant contributory factor to my mother's relatively early death and the impact of certain periods of her life effectively altered my brother's personality and I believe probably changed how his life has panned out. He has a good job and is very well off but closed down in many ways.
I am turning the clock back a bit here, but she was given electric shock therapy a number of times and this from the so called experts in the medical profession.
Sure we have moved on a bit since then but think there is still a long way to go.
Good Luck to all.

Wow!... and again WOW! This thread has been a real eye opener. I post rarely, but read for 'fun' and information, gossip and news. Names of posters become familiar and perceptions are formed. This thread has stopped me in my tracks! What started out with such a nasty whiff of cynicism has turned into a life-affirming, inspiring and thought-provoking one. I am filled with sheer admiration for the guys who have taken this chance to tell it as it is and have described so accurately what real depression is and feels like. This would have not happened without Bails speaking out and for that I think he deserves thanks. I really hope he reads this and knows what he has managed to do. For those of you 'opinionated, hard-talking and macho' posters who have bared your souls, admiration and respect is huge and you have surely achieved a real step forward in this thread. It may gradually fade away, like all others, and sink lower down the page, but it has surely been unique. Thank you too, especially those who have turned their depression face-about and put so much into helping others and adding so much to the game I love. It's devotees are surely a really special bunch!

Awesome thread! Just awesome. I've nothing to add that hasn't already been said. I've been there and come out the other side.

All I can say is that those who are doing it tough, hang in there. You are not alone.