Tom Boyd to take leave of absence

[SonofScray]

A few comments, bit of a rant because this news upset me today.

The footy media narrative around mental health annoys me. I can't quite put my finger on it but I don't think it is genuine. Have been living and breathing this stuff for 10 years now and the behaviour of the same blokes who trot out the same cliches when news like today's breaks just doesn't add up. It's good that the awareness has lifted and some of the stigma around anxiety and depression has lessened, but there is a long way to go. I'm not sure any of them actually would understand thelived exoerience. They are severely lacking in empathy.

I feel really sad about this news and just want to wish Tom all the best as he works through his recovery. With the right support, time and some action things can improve and we all hold hope that whatever the experience so far has taken from Tom, he can get those things back and get what he wants most out of life. Just wish that as a community, the positive stuff and affirming regard we have for him could have been a protective factor. It still can.

I've used this animation in some presentations, it's from the WHO and offers some insight:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiCrniLQGYc

[bulldogsthru&thru]

A few comments, bit of a rant because this news upset me today.

The footy media narrative around mental health annoys me. I can't quite put my finger on it but I don't think it is genuine. Have been living and breathing this stuff for 10 years now and the behaviour of the same blokes who trot out the same cliches when news like today's breaks just doesn't add up. It's good that the awareness has lifted and some of the stigma around anxiety and depression has lessened, but there is a long way to go. I'm not sure any of them actually would understand thelived exoerience. They are severely lacking in empathy.

I feel really sad about this news and just want to wish Tom all the best as he works through his recovery. With the right support, time and some action things can improve and we all hold hope that whatever the experience so far has taken from Tom, he can get those things back and get what he wants most out of life. Just wish that as a community, the positive stuff and affirming regard we have for him could have been a protective factor. It still can.

I've used this animation in some presentations, it's from the WHO and offers some insight:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiCrniLQGYc

Yeah it's similar to how they react to sexism or racism. They just do or say "the right thing" without actually having any real empathy as to the actual reason why it's bad/wrong.

[LostDoggy]

I think unless you have lived it or someone close to you has lived it no one under stands how much the black dog can affect people. And it doesn't discriminate, you could be the king of England or the Melton Bogan, it doesn't matter depression or related illnesses can take hold.

Too often I've been told just to cheer up, or stop feeling so down. Doesn't work like that.

I wish big Tom all the best and hope that the club, the afl and his family can help to find him the help he needs.

[ratsmac]

Poor Tom. I hope he hasn't been living with this shit condition for too long. My wife suffers from this piece of crap and it's hard watching her suffer especially when there is nothing I can do but support her through it. It can be hard for the family a times also which doesn't help her situation either.

As much as I want Tom playing for purely selfish reasons, I hope he takes all the time and gets the best help he needs to get on top of this condition.

Get well Tom

[josie]

Adding my voice to the chorus of RWB faithful.....Get well Big Tom. A premiership hero. In my eyes he should have won the Norm Smith. Bigger fish to fry than footy now though. Brave to tell us. Bevo spoke so well, I am confident the Club and no doubt his friends and family will rally around him as he manages his condition.

[Flamethrower]

Sad day. Really feeling for Tom. Having been exposed to someone with clinical depression, I know how hard it is for them. Tom's family, and all the boys, need to get around Tom, but also give him the space and time he needs.

[theride2016]

Hoping that Tom gets better soon and gets the support he needs.

[whythelongface]

Sorry to hear this news. All the best for your recovery Tom. You have our full support.

[boydogs]

I tweeted Tom my best wishes, and recommend anyone here on Twitter do the same. I'm sure he's copping it from the idiots of the world right now, a large number of positive messages overwhelming that might brighten his day

[Danny the snakeman]

My only advice to Tom would be, grab a beer sit back on couch with close mates and watch the GF again. Works for me.

[merantau]

Agree with many of the sentiments expressed re the conduct of the media and its commentators who are focused on progressing their own careers at the expense of others.

All the best for a full recovery Tom. You hold a special place in our hearts.

[Bulldog4life]

I tweeted Tom my best wishes, and recommend anyone here on Twitter do the same. I'm sure he's copping it from the idiots of the world right now, a large number of positive messages overwhelming that might brighten his day

I did too.

[jeemak]

Seems it's been an ongoing issue that he's been managing:

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/western...05-gx54yh.html

[bulldogtragic]

Seems it's been an ongoing issue that he's been managing:

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/western...05-gx54yh.html

Boyd still doing some basic training. Perhaps he gets back this year?

[S Coast Simon]

Good luck Tom you are a legend of our football club. A premiership player. Hope you get well soon. We all support you in your endeavours.