South Sydney Rabbitohs captain Greg Inglis has once again proven to be an inspiration, and once again it is the adversity that he has overcome off the field, as opposed to on it, that is making the biggest impact.
R U Ok Day is designed to remind people to ask the very important question, 'are you okay?', to help those struggling with mental health and ultimately suicide prevention. Inglis knows too well the importance of the question, after overcoming his own mental demons, and becoming a public advocate for normalising mental conditions and seeking treatment for them in doing so.
Speaking with Macquarie Radio Network broadcaster Ray Hadley, Inglis spoke about the importance of openly discussing mental health and was "humbled" and "grateful" for the influence he has on others, which Mr Hadley referred to as an impressive impact.
"I didn't think I had the power to change other people's lives," Inglis told Mr Hadley.
Mr Hadley praised Inglis's impact and the importance of people in positions of power to be leaders in addressing the stigmas surrounding mental health treatment; "I can't stress enough how important it is; 10-15 years ago you would have never heard it, but now it's become second nature to people."
With one in two Australian men experiencing mental health issues during their lifetime, Inglis is committed to maintaining his status as a leader in this field.
"I'm not ashamed to speak about mental health because I think it's a big issue in Australian
society," Inglis said.
"I'll be happy to speak about it for the rest of my life."
