Hardaker opens up about his demons

Quote: Jamie101 "
Quote: Jamie101 "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.'"

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.