Footy, tradies … and mental health? They all have more in common than you think, as Lance Picioane discusses.
It’s no secret that Australian men could be better at discussing mental health.
It’s something that’s been covered regularly across industries in recent years.
It’s also something Lance hopes to change.
“In male dominated industries, the acceptance of conversations is still a challenge and one we’ll be facing for a long time,”
he said.
“The Aussie way of not having those chats – changing the narrative in that space.
“What I’m seeing is that people are not as accountable for their wellbeing as we’d like
them to be.
“From a physical, mental and emotional wellbeing point of view.”
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Lance – a former Aussie Rules player for the Crows, Hawks and Kangaroos – is the CEO of Never Alone Foundation, which aims to fuel conversations around mental health across Australia.
Lance’s battle with mental health begins much earlier than that – having struggled against his own personal demons across his playing career and beyond.
“It got to a point where I nearly became a statistics we talk about when it comes to suicide,” he said.
“The alpha world I was experience before, during and after my AFL days – I didn’t know where
to head.”
“Devastation nearly occurred and I thought there was more to life
than that.”
The name – Never Alone Foundation is a good indicator of the kind of message Lance wants heard loud and clear in circles across the nation.
“The mental health system has changed a helluva lot on the last five or so years,” he added.
“We’re still at a point, however, where people feel ashamed for the challenges they’re facing.
“We’re having these conversations to let people know they’re not the only person going through it.
“That being said, they are the most important person going through it, and they should understand there’s support systems available to them.”
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Never alone
Tradies are one such male dominated industry marred by mental health struggles.
While Lance’s message isn’t limited to any one group, he said there are similarities shared across sports and the trades when it comes to mental health.
“The ability to show vulnerability – That’s been a generational point of view we’ve had to overcome,” he said.
“The more we get around that space and show that it takes a lot of strength and courage to be able to talk about the challenges we’re going through.
“That we don’t hide away or mask ourselves through alcohol, drugs or abusive behaviour that put us more at risk and on a downward spiral.”
No matter where he’s sparking conversations, Lance said talks about mental health should always be happening and that no one needs to face their issues alone.
“Life isn’t just running through mud with thongs on, it’s not supposed to be like that,” he said.
“Sometimes we go through challenges, but we come out the other side stronger.”
Find out more about the Never Alone Foundation by visiting here
Lifeline: 13 11 14