Former NRL player Dan Hunt shares mental health experiences with Lithgow footy players

The former St George Illawarra player has been running MHM sessions out at Centennial Coal Clarence Colliery and made the effort to connect with Storm JRLFC and Workies Wolves.

"We're just here from the Mental Health Movement, at Clarence working with their workforce, and one of the things we try and do when we get around to different communities is touch base with the local sporting clubs and try and get down here to share our message and have a bit of fun," he said.

READ MORE: Harley Henning rode 700km in 24 hours carrying the bare minimum on his back

Hunt ran a training session for the undefeated U16 Storm side before heading into the sheds to have an open discussion on mental health with the senior Wolves players.

He said using the profile of an NRL player gave him the opportunity to share his story and connect with communities.

"During my nine year rugby league career I did struggle a lot both physically and mentally, I was forced into retirement in 2015.

"So I wanted to use my own experiences, struggles and university education to help other people because I know what it's like to be in a sh*t place and not know where to get help or how to," he said.

Hunt was diagnosed with a mental illness in type 2 bipolar in 2010. He started his company [MHM] in 2017 and continues to openly share his personal experiences around his upbringing, struggles with injury and addiction.

"I was able to get back to being the best version of myself and be mentally healthy again and I want to help others do the same," he said.

The MHM specialises in developing mentally healthy supportive work places, according to Hunt.

"Originally it started off with myself and I just said yes to everything and it's blazing now and we have a team of nine.

"We have got a bit of a unique team doing a bit of a unique thing but we're loving what we're doing and we're just helping people start the conversation around mental health," he said.

Hunt shared a message with the U16s side to look after each other both on and off the field.

"Rugby league is very transient to every other aspect of your life, on the field we work hard, we support each other, we communicate, we sacrifice, but those things are transient off the field and into life as well and they're very transient to the mental health space.

"Just because we do it on the field doesn't mean we can't do it off the field, we definitely can," he said.

He said one of the best things people could do to better manage their mental health was to find that support, start that conversation and communicate.

READ MORE: Orange Wanderers hold Lithgow Panthers to men's Premier League Hockey draw

"It's actually not a weakness to ask for support, access treatment or put your hand up for help, it doesn't mean you're not a man or a woman it's a sign of courage.

"I believe it's weak if you know that you're struggling and you don't ask for help," he said.

"You don't have to suffer in silence and you're not on your own."

Hunt said he believed it was a message that was starting to get across but he felt there was still a long way to go.

"The stigma is starting to get removed and we have come a long way but people need to be proactive and look after their mental and physical health.

"Seek that support and manage your mindset so when you do come across a life challenge you're better prepared to take on whatever it is," he said.

"Know the power of a conversation, it can save someone's life."

READ MORE: Lithgow Workies Wolves push through Blayney Bears defence to get win

Hunt also said he was impressed with the U16s side and wished them the best of luck.

"My advice to them is to remember why they're playing and that's because they love the game and enjoy it, and to remember they've got each others backs," he said.