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.

Got to admit when a title of a thread is "Ryan Bailey" you would never in a million years think it would end up been such an interesting and moving read that it as become.

Well done to everybody who has had the courage to put personal issues on here, hopefully it has helped everybody in a small way. Mental health/ depression or whatever else it's called needs to be in the spotlight a bit more and anybody who suffers from it will receive all the help they need. Let's hope the days of stigmas are in the past and people can ask for help instead of suffering silently

Was never a fan of his as a player, but wish him nothing but well on a personal level...

Awesome reading. Moving, enlightening and educating. Thank you its been a privilege to read.

It does demonstrate that no matter how alone you might feel in your despair there are many more suffering/that have suffered the same...if only you know where to look. Who would have thought it would have been on here !!! (when your GP tells you about the huge period of time you must wait before official counselling is an option hardly helps anybody).

I don't feel as brave as others on here that have told their story (such respect) for fear of tearing myself apart again....suffice to say I lost a good woman (my wife) because of its debilitating corrosive effects on my mind. I actually thought I was unworthy of her and it actually became a self fulfilling prophecy. ....

I have to take my hat off to those who have shown such great courage in sharing their innermost troubles and personal stories with their rugby sparring partners. You guys have earned respect. I consider myself so lucky not to have suffered from this debilitating illness which I have seen be the cause of much unhappiness in others.

Having highlighted how common this illness is on SS I would hope that this could lead to future debates being argued with more sensitivity and less personal attacks albeit still with conviction.

What a great point! We all have our own opinions, and this place is better for that, there's no need for it to get personal when opinions differ - whether that be giving out personal insults, or just taking someone's difference of opinion personally, we don't need that and it adds nothing to any debate.