‘Don’t be too proud’: Crichton’s simple message after mental health battle

Kangaroos star Angus Crichton has a simple message for those struggling with their mental health.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

The Roosters retired from rugby ahead of the 2023 season to deal with his mental health after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

That decision proved to be one of the best of his life.

Struggling throughout 2023, Crichton has stepped up this year from the reserves to win the State of Origin series and is keen to finish the year with a Pacific Championship win for the Kangaroos. More importantly, he is in a better place mentally and has been successful off the field.

The 28-year-old is currently in Christchurch to prepare for Australia’s clash with New Zealand on Sunday evening, with victory securing a place in next month’s finals at CommBank Stadium.

Crichton admits that the first step in asking for help is often the hardest, but she hopes her journey inspires others to seek help.

“Don’t be too proud,” said Crichton. “As men and athletes we can often be too proud to ask for help or look like you’re weak or struggling. Sometimes it can be a powerful thing to accept that maybe you’re not where you need to be and get help from you need.

“Once you do that, people will react and behave differently from how you build it in your mind. Don’t be too proud, accept that you may need some help and it’s a step to before you get better.”

Crichton was at the top of his game in 2022, playing a key role in the Kangaroos’ World Cup victory but off the field he was in a much darker place.

The situation took a turn for the worse after the competition when he suffered a bout of insanity and later entered a mental health facility to begin recovery.

It’s been a long journey back to this point but Crichton’s improved mental health has allowed him to reach his best career ever. His form earned him a contract extension with the Roosters while he found stability off the field.

Crichton has a successful hair salon that is on the rise, with his family and partner supporting him through thick and thin.

Given where he has been over the past two years, it would have been easy for the player to believe that his good form has overtaken him, but he revealed that he has no doubt that he can return to the pitch. representation.

“I always had faith and I knew I was going to get back here,” Crichton said. “It was about working hard and taking your chances when you got them. I had no doubt that I would come back here for sure.

“I’m proud of myself and I thank my friends and family for helping me get back here. It brings me so much joy and happiness to see them enjoy being back in this place.

“My mother and father, my sisters, and my partner, I think you have forgotten how much joy and pride you can bring them when you represent your country like this.”

Crichton will face a new test on Sunday afternoon when the Kangaroos take on the Kiwis in Christchurch.

It’s a long way from the Young Cherrypickers for a boy from south-west NSW who dreamed of playing for his country and country.

But because of everything he’s been through to get to this point, Crichton is determined to make the most of every opportunity he has to wear the green and gold.

“When you’re a kid, you dream of playing for Australia,” he said. “I’m kicking myself now sitting here. When I was young I was from NSW so the only representative teams we did was the Riverina.

“We were going to play all the schools in Sydney in the state tournament [to try] make a government team. My little team would smoke every now and then and you’d be sitting there crossing your fingers at the end hoping to make the NSW team.

“I didn’t use to make those teams, now I’m making the state [and Australian] The team is something that a young child dreamed of when I was young, so it’s a great honor for me. “