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Page 44 Thursday, 24 April, 2014
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Player’s mark on depression By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS WAYNE Schwass, in keeping with his reputation as a lauded AFL premiership player laid down a challenge straight down-the-line recently. At a mental health exposition for Greater Dandenong, Casey, Cardinia Mental Health Network on 9 April he challenged governments to “pick up and run with” a campaign to cut a national toll of 2500 people who committed suicide last year. He said it was right for governments to invest heavily in reducing the state’s road toll which stood at 242 last year. Schwass then asked where was the investment - the equivalent of TAC’s hard-hitting road safety campaigns - to reduce the thousands of people who took their own lives. “We need open, robust and transparent conversations. Why? Because 2500 people left the earth this year.” Schwass is one of the few AFL footballers who have spoken openly about their own battle with clinical depression. He drew on the plight of 26-yearold Melbourne footballer Mitch Clark who retired from the game due to clinical depression the day before the exposition. He knows there would be many more footballers in a similar struggle. Speaking at the Springvale forum, Schwass said it showed mental illness could “land on the doorstep” of anybody regardless of their profession. It could even strike down a “ri-
diculously” well-paid and high-profile footballer who didn’t have to have a “normal job” who had “every reason to be happy”. “It’s very sad to me in a way (that Clark retired) because he had a very bright future (but) I respect the courage behind the decision he made.” AFL clubs needed to boost resources for emotional well-being - matching their cutting-edge injury rehabilitation programs, he said. He asked how an unnamed $24 million club could hire a psychiatrist for just three days a week. “I’ll continue to lobby my (football) code to see that the most important thing in our code is our people.” Schwass raised sobs from an otherwise hushed audience as he recounted his life as a footballer who suffered silently with his illness for 10 years. He said one of the main questions he faced after going public in 2006 was “what were you depressed about?” He has had to explain he has the same concerns and stresses as everyone else. Married with three children, he had financial stress - it was the same for everyone, rich or poor. As a 17 to 18-year-old footballer and life-long perfectionist, he tried to put aside the “sense of overwhelming sadness” and get on with his career. Around 1995-96, he had a glittering on-field era, which included a premiership, vice-captaincy and two best-andfairests. It coincided with his lowest emotional ebb.
Wayne Schwass with forum organisers Peter McDonald, Lindy Alcorn and Beth McDonald. 118525 Picture: CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS After training one night, he started crying as he stopped at traffic lights. The tears flowed for half an hour. When first diagnosed, he thought depression was for “weak people”. He was worried what family, friends and team-mates would think. “That’s such an ignorant position to take,” he said.
“I was extremely fit and finely tuned to play AFL, but not equipped to deal with ... this thing called depression. “While I grew up, I only saw my dad cry once. I never acknowledged I loved my dad. “To show emotion was a weakness.”
Not seeking help was a “fundamental mistake” that he urged others not to make. It deprived him of 10 years of quality life, he said. “It’s incredible how much help is out there when you put your hand up.” Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Business profiles
Top Islamic school shines MINARET College will be holding an Open Day at its Officer Campus on Saturday 3 May between midday and 3pm. Officer Campus is situated on Tivendale Road, Officer. Minaret College is the largest co-educational Islamic school in Melbourne’s SouthEast, with 1400 students from Pre-School to Year 12 spread over two campuses, located at Springvale and Officer. The school’s vision is to produce a healthy Australian Muslim identity sincere to its traditions and committed to excellence. Officer Campus is a school where teachers know and care for individuals. Teachers are passionately dedicated to developing the most effective ways for all students to learn. The infrastructure, which consists of architecturally designed buildings with modern classrooms, computer laboratory, science and art rooms, canteen, multipurpose spaces and a state-ofthe-art library, supports this. Persistent focus on quality teaching and learning is the top priority of the school. It is a school filled with energy and vitality that accepts and nurtures the individuality of each student. The school believes and promotes learning as collaboration between children, teachers and parents. All students are encouraged to strive to achieve their ambitions within the framework of a supportive and caring community. The school has established specialised programs for the core learning areas of literacy
Doors open at college LAKESIDE Lutheran College is an independent co-educational college that is recognised for achieving excellent academic results with a strong emphasis on leadership, responsibility, pastoral care, community service and personal development, within a Christian learning environment. Education for Life at Lakeside provides students with strong foundation skills and principles to ensure that each child can reach their full potential, with the intention that every child graduates as a con-
fident, eloquent and knowledgeable adult, enriched with Christian values to make a difference in the world. To gain further insight into the life of the college, please visit the coming open day, Saturday 3 May, from 10am to 2pm. The open day is an opportunity for prospective students and their families to meet principal David Spike, teachers, students and their families; tour the college and receive a prospectus show bag; meet the
2013 college dux, Parents and Friends Association and meet the student executive council. Attendees can also drive the human powered vehicle, view student artwork, see musical performances and see science demonstrations. There will be activities for children such as an animal farm, face painting along with a barbecue, food and drinks provided, and so much more. Visit the website for more information www.lakeside.vic. edu.au
Students at Minaret College strive for excellence and are supported by staff and modern infrastructure. 118908 and numeracy. Identified students and newly arrived students to Australia have the opportunity to seek extra support. Currently the school oper-
ates from Kindergarten to Year 9. The College has decided to extend to Year 10 and will be offering a three-year VCE program from 2015.
Lakeside Lutheran’s college captains Zac and Esther with principal David Spike, Chelsea, Dylan, Rayan, Maddison, India and Shankly.