Former Gold Coast Suns and Carlton player Daniel Gorringe has shared his mental health story with Tackle Your Feelings, opening up on the journey for purpose once his AFL career came to an end.
Gorringe played for two clubs across six years in the AFL system, after being drafted with pick 10 in the 2010 national draft. However, injuries cut Gorringe’s career short, announcing his retirement at the end of 2016.
Throughout his AFL career and subsequent exit from the game, Gorringe experienced a number of mental health challenges as he searched for his identity post-football.
The Tackle Your Feelings ambassador reflected on how talking to those close to him and seeking help was the catalyst behind improving the journey with his own mental health.
Check out the full video by clicking on the player below:
“The first and best thing is to tell someone, so you’re not doing it by yourself.” Gorringe said.
“I tried and there’s no point, it’s like banging your head against a brick wall, so the first thing I did was reach out and that instantly made me feel better.
“The second thing was seeing a psychologist and just making sure that I’m not making this up in my head, that it is normal to be feeling this way.
“The third thing I did and the best thing I’ve ever done is I’ve taken it easy on myself. I’m just trying to work it all out. I’m just human, I’m not Superman, I’m not this glorious footballer everything thought he was going to be.
“I’m just a human being trying to work it out like we all are.”
Post-retirement, Gorringe has gone on to be a successful content creator and podcaster, becoming one half of ‘List Cloggers’ with former teammate and fellow Tackle Your Feelings ambassador Dylan Buckley.
Need Support? If you know someone who requires urgent assistance or support, please contact:
Suicide call back service: 1300 659 467
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
Emergency: 000
Support for AFL Players: If you are a current or past AFL Player and would like to know more about our specialised wellbeing and mental health services please contact the AFL Players’ Association at wellbeing@aflplayers.com.au or Tel. 03-8651 4300 (Mon to Fri, 9am – 5pm). Click here to read our disclaimer.