I agree about rugby league being ahead of other sports.

Interested to know your genuine thoughts on the growing number of 'bad lads' who are 'brave enough' to come out and talk about their mental health issues after they've been caught up to no good.

I get where you are coming from but think that might be a bit of a loaded question.

None of us on here have the foggiest idea about Hardaker's mental health. From my uninformed position of not knowing the man, he appears to go from extremes of highs to lows, in the manner of people with bi-polar traits. Not saying he is because I have'nt a clue.

I had a cousin (no longer with us) a bit older than me who was always changing jobs in the 60's and 70's and always seeming to get into bother. One day my mum (who suffered badly with depression, it effectively led to her early death) explained that my cousin had been diagnosed with a split personality disorder. I listened attentively and then later asked my dad for his opinion.

My old man thought about it for a few seconds and with a straight face replied it was very sad because he did'nt like either of them. My old man never really got it.

IMO Hardaker has done right opening up about it and even if part of it is to elicit sympathy, he is still a young and possibly still fairly immature guy trying to find his way in the world and clearly at times, struggling to do so. I wish him all the best whether that be down under or back in Super league.

I've not learned a lot over the years but as I get older I think the majority of people have to walk a difficult road (to a greater or lesser extent).

So what some have said on here basically is that Hardakers interview is full of lies, though the people suggesting this don't actually know him or the situation. Cynicism in these situations serves only the person who holds that view, and that's great for them until you have a Terry Newton situation.

Jeez people go so over the top on here.

Are you F'in serious?!

Diazepam, tramadol and alcohol. There's his problem. Knock them on the head and he may learn how to cope with life. There are heroin addicts on less lethal cocktails than that.
Talented rugby player. Car crash of a man.
He owes Leeds much better than one outstanding season then going on the p#ss......whatever his justifications.


For all of those who buy into these people who claim to have depression post being 'caught out'.
Symptoms of depression...lethargy, lack of self care, weight loss or gain, insomnia, lack of interest and motivation in anything.
Hmmmm Well turned out managed a game of pro rugby a week (to a much reduced standard this year). Seemed relatively fit Mr Hardaker.

Symptoms of opiate, benzodiazepine and alcohol misuse.....well a much reduced sporting performance for a professional athlete for starters. A focusing on the using of said drugs over other things in their life...lowering of mood, anxiety. That and a whole host of others.

Amazing how these folks who claim to have depression or bi polar always have a severe drug/alcohol misuse problem which is never an issue until caught.

They also never have a personality disorder which is often more clinically accurate.

Mental illness is a catastrophe for people and their families who suffer it. It has horrific and lethal effects. Mental illnesses are very real.

However the continued justification by some (and their employed doctors and lawyers) to justify their appalling behaviour by claiming to be mentally ill when caught (often smashed on drugs and drink) undermines those with the conditions and others attempts to get them recognised as the debilitating, fatal conditions they can be.

100% agreed.

Again it should be pointed out, he never claimed to have depression.

RIP Wire Yed viewtopic.php?f=21&t=598637&view=unread#unread

RIP Wire Yed viewtopic.php?f=21&t=598637&view=unread#unread

Quote ="Charlie Sheen"RIP Wire Yed i.rlfans.com/forums/viewtopic.ph ... ead#unread'" Ah s**t He was very honest about his deamonds on this thread... viewtopic.php?f=17&t=586889&start=150

Quote ="Charlie Sheen"RIP Wire Yed i.rlfans.com/forums/viewtopic.ph ... ead#unread'" Ah s**t He was very honest about his deamonds on this thread... viewtopic.php?f=17&t=586889&start=150

Quote ="Omar Little"Ah s**t He was very honest about his deamonds on this thread... viewtopic.php?f=17&t=586889&start=150'" So sorry to hear about WireYed, who's now the 5th person i've known in some way who's no longer here as a result of depression. Reading that thread you've linked to has just destroyed me. Printer and Smokey nailed it, as did many others.

Quote ="Omar Little"Ah s**t He was very honest about his deamonds on this thread... viewtopic.php?f=17&t=586889&start=150'" So sorry to hear about WireYed, who's now the 5th person i've known in some way who's no longer here as a result of depression. Reading that thread you've linked to has just destroyed me. Printer and Smokey nailed it, as did many others.

Absolutely gutted to hear that news.

RIP WireYed

Such a waste - I cannot contemplate what would drive a seemingly rational human to take their own life

Puts all our bickering into perspective.

Spot on!!

Apologies in the delay responding; not been on the boards for a few days...

I think it depends what is going on if / when they do it. For some it can be a therapeutic process and part of 'drawing a line' under things a bit. Other times it can just be a 'get out' excuse like some are trying to argue on here. That is because society and men in particular aren't too comfortable in openly talking about their mental health and / or any problems. I do a lot of mental health work with young people too and interestingly have seen an increase in the last few years of it almost being 'cool' or 'adding mystique' to claim a mental health difficulty when you don't really have one.

Those with genuine issues (who I work with) are often really good at clocking this and get angry by it. Likewise I know some without any problems get irked when they see or hear people claiming 'illness' unjustly. Which is good for the future at least as it makes it less taboo.

For young and adult men just now, it probably can be used as an easy out. In some ways it is still akin to a woman simply stating 'women's problems' and been given time off work / less grief from a partner with no extra questioning or support. My hope is in time people can have more open and matter-of-fact conversations with one another rather than keeping quiet.

So to a degree I am glad the 'bad lads' do talk out later; it is just sad that they seemingly never feel able to at the time due to perceived social stigma. Young(ish) men like me are doing what we can around the UK to break that down though, so hopefully it will get better..!

Thanks for the candid response - a great read.

I've done a lot of work setting up a relationship with MIND at my workplace, we've put all of our manages through a course that helps them identify potential signs of mental health issues right across the spectrum, including understanding the difference between pressure and stress and then some tools and techniques for handling conversations with those who are impacted. Interestingly, a big part of what MIND focussed on is how to try and identify the fakers - we have what they call a 'parachute' questionnaire that basically trips someone up if they're giving it the BS.

That's partly why I asked you that question - because though some on here would like to argue otherwise, fakers are out there in the plenty, it's one of the current 'in' excuses.

Good to hear you are involved in stuff in your workplace; Mind do a lot of really good things with all different groups and areas of society.

Like I say, I think it can be an attractive 'out' for some people because it scares a lot of people to hear it as an excuse and stops open conversation dead sometimes so can be used as a 'no questions asked' free pass sometimes. That is just people praying on a social weakness though I guess. It is a lot harder for most people to talk about at the time; most often I suppose because to talk about it you have to first recognise it and that is hard enough when you feel that way everyday.

Leeds has a good scene in particular on a mental health front so take some consolation from that. I really admire the work rugby league is doing as well, and people like Stevie Ward because actually they have been much more proactive to the situation rather than reactive. If you have any further questions or want to talk, let me know!

Guys,

Do you think if Hardaker has a very good season for Castleford, we could be seeing him back in a Leeds Shirt in 2018?

no, i think that ships gone

much as I loved him on the pitch he is a total tool who can't stay out of trouble off it. won't be long before he messes up again

Who will mess up first?
Zak Hardaker or Rangi Chase?

What angers me at times, is you see players who were cast off by Leeds performing really well for other Super League Teams.

Maybe we do need a new Coach

very good question. hardaker

If Daryl Powell can rein them both in and get them focused on playing, he'll qualify as a magician and Cas will probably qualify for the Top 4.

I heard a rumour (and that's all it is) regarding Chase which may have some truth in it or it might be complete bollox. He's allegedly been turning up to training drunk and is on a final warning.

That won't wash for long. Bloke needs help if that's true...