Joe Williams inspires Lithgow High School with mental health talk

Mr Williams shared his story of hope through adversity, addiction, personal battles with suicide and mental illness. 

The message that Mr Williams wanted students to take away from his talk was to be there for one another.

“Sometimes reaching out for help is hard and you can’t do it, I know, I’ve been there, but if you have family or friends reaching out to you, that makes all the difference,” he said. 

According to Mr Williams one of the reasons he thought it was important to visit a school to tell his story was because of the way students have been treated. 

“Kids struggling feel silenced and have felt silenced for too long and I believe there is some healing in talking about it,” he said. 

“Be supportive of one another and show each other some compassion.”

Mr Williams spoke to year 10 and Indigenous students about how his education was more important then his NRL career. 

“My parents saw education as a way of breaking the cycle, knowing that football won’t last so they decided whoever gives me the best education will get me,” he said. 

After being knocked unconscious at 13 and taking continual hits during his NRL career, Mr Williams has been screened for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). He said he has been told by doctors he has a high chance that the condition of his brain would progressively worsen.

“It has affected my memory but I’m not here to tell you to not play sport but if you do get a concussion, take care of your brain,” he said. 

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Since his first knock at 13 Mr Williams said he has suffered with suicidal thoughts every day. 

“I have this inner voice telling me I have to die,” he said. 

Mr Williams spoke honestly about his suicide attempt in 2012 and how he didn’t know whether to be happy or disappointed he survived. 

“My biggest memory is a negative one, but ever since then I have wanted to make a positive impact on people,” Mr Williams said.  

Mr Williams has tried to help people by opening a gym where homeless people can come in for a free meal and water and by raising money for charity.  

“Helping people helps me,” he said. 

Having suffered with bipolar disorder and suicidal ideation for a large part of his life despite all the accomplishments he has achieved, Mr Williams had one final message for the students. 

“Mental health recovery is possible,” he said. 

If you are struggling contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.