To cope, many men turn to alternative methods of medicating, such as drugs and alcohol, which often exacerbate suicidal tendencies. These compounding factors tend to mean that men make one fatal attempt at suicide, whereas women are more likely to choose less violent methods, such as overdosing, which are less likely to lead to death, and may end up making several attempts over the course of their lifetime.
It’s clear that, as men, we need to talk more openly about our struggles and vulnerabilities to receive the help and support we need.
Keegan wanted to be part of the conversation, but what initially started as an interest in mental health and working with Movember took a left turn when, at age 24, he was medically retired from the NRL. At the time he had thought he had years left in the game, with aspirations of representing Queensland in the State of Origin, or Australia internationally, but was left directionless after one-too-many knocks left him unable to play professionally.
“I had to figure out what was next,” he says. “I wanted to have the tools to help my friends and family, so I decided to go back to school and study psychology. I’m very fortunate to have a bunch of friends in the sporting world, not just in NRL but in netball, Super Rugby, cricket, and Olympics.”
Source link: https://manofmany.com/culture/fitness/keegan-hipgrave-interview by Dean Blake at manofmany.com