Hey Nat, this was a truly wonderful read and a deeply touching personal story which must have taken some intestinal fortitude to write and then hit submit! As a practising GP for over 2 decades, I have seen all the ghoulies with mental health in all shapes and sizes. Importantly, as you well know, you are not alone. The secret sauce to staying healthy is exactly what you have done - sought help, surrounded yourself by a good team both medical and at home, and keeping mindful, active and busy. Keep up the great work. Regardless of how the Hawks go, you can keep going strong because as it was eloquently said in the spaces recently it's a marathon, not a sprint! All the best for your journey ahead and hopefully we can share a drink on the 28th!
thankyou for the words! i’ve written something similar about 900 times i reckon but never felt comfortable (or well) enough to share it. this is a good platform i feel because it’s an important message and can really help people!
I echo your sentiments, from struggles with mental health, to raising a young child, to appreciating and enjoying this wonderful club, to not worrying too much if we make the finals or not. I enjoyed last year immensely as well for much the same reasons, but this year's been even better. I've had some absolutely joyous moments this year.
Thank you so much for sharing your extremely well-written story.
Hi Nat. Thanks for your touching article. It helps all of us with mental health issues to know that we are not the only one dealing with this stuff.
And the young Hawks have gone above and beyond this year and given us so much joy, regardless of what happens in the next 3 weeks. We should all be grateful and amazed by what Sam and the team have managed to achieve this early in the rebuild. Go Hawks!
May late baby brother had OCD and so I can empathize with your struggles having seen something similar first-hand.
Like you, my brother never stopped fighting and one of his best escapes (if that's not exactly the word, you know what I mean), was to watch basketball - US college, Canadian college, NBA - and hockey. They gave him joy in, I would think, a similar way that footy does for you. I wish he'd had the opportunity to become a footy fan (I know he would have embraced just like we have and gotten joy from it, too).
He's been gone for several years (cancer), but some of my most treasured moments come from watching a game with him.
I hope you continue to carry on and that footy continues to give you the joy it does now.
Thanks for this read Nat and a great reminder to remember to enjoy the growth and the journey that our players are taking us , enjoying all the special moments they bring.
Fantastic article Nat, you keep fighting the good fight. Be gentle on yourself and I hope the hawks bring you many good memories. This year has reminded me a lot of 2006 when we started to turn the tide. Looking forward to many more good times for us hawkers.
Hey Nat, this was a truly wonderful read and a deeply touching personal story which must have taken some intestinal fortitude to write and then hit submit! As a practising GP for over 2 decades, I have seen all the ghoulies with mental health in all shapes and sizes. Importantly, as you well know, you are not alone. The secret sauce to staying healthy is exactly what you have done - sought help, surrounded yourself by a good team both medical and at home, and keeping mindful, active and busy. Keep up the great work. Regardless of how the Hawks go, you can keep going strong because as it was eloquently said in the spaces recently it's a marathon, not a sprint! All the best for your journey ahead and hopefully we can share a drink on the 28th!
thankyou for the words! i’ve written something similar about 900 times i reckon but never felt comfortable (or well) enough to share it. this is a good platform i feel because it’s an important message and can really help people!
I echo your sentiments, from struggles with mental health, to raising a young child, to appreciating and enjoying this wonderful club, to not worrying too much if we make the finals or not. I enjoyed last year immensely as well for much the same reasons, but this year's been even better. I've had some absolutely joyous moments this year.
Thank you so much for sharing your extremely well-written story.
Everything in life comes and goes, but Hawthorn stays.
What a beauty of an article, spot on with everything said well done,mate!
Every week reading these articles or listening to the pod cast is truly amazing
Hi Nat. Thanks for your touching article. It helps all of us with mental health issues to know that we are not the only one dealing with this stuff.
And the young Hawks have gone above and beyond this year and given us so much joy, regardless of what happens in the next 3 weeks. We should all be grateful and amazed by what Sam and the team have managed to achieve this early in the rebuild. Go Hawks!
May late baby brother had OCD and so I can empathize with your struggles having seen something similar first-hand.
Like you, my brother never stopped fighting and one of his best escapes (if that's not exactly the word, you know what I mean), was to watch basketball - US college, Canadian college, NBA - and hockey. They gave him joy in, I would think, a similar way that footy does for you. I wish he'd had the opportunity to become a footy fan (I know he would have embraced just like we have and gotten joy from it, too).
He's been gone for several years (cancer), but some of my most treasured moments come from watching a game with him.
I hope you continue to carry on and that footy continues to give you the joy it does now.
Oh, and Carn the Mighty Hawks!
Thanks for this read Nat and a great reminder to remember to enjoy the growth and the journey that our players are taking us , enjoying all the special moments they bring.
Fantastic article Nat, you keep fighting the good fight. Be gentle on yourself and I hope the hawks bring you many good memories. This year has reminded me a lot of 2006 when we started to turn the tide. Looking forward to many more good times for us hawkers.
So profound and reassuring Nat to read of your Hawk love and your story.
In 1991 id lost a very successful business and home in Perth where i live.
My Marriage was failing.
My solace was my five children and The Hawks!!
Winning the 91 granny v WC and watching it over and over brought me some joy when nothing else seemed to be going right!
Since May last yr ive dealt with my darling 46 year old teacher daughter losing her marriage,teaching job and taking to Meth use to
Try to soothe her mental health issues.
Following the Hawks very closely like you ive again got much solace and joy
From watching our rebuilt team develop.
Best wishes to you Nat and
go The Mighty Hawks tomorrow at the G,which im going to!!Brendan
all the best mate to you and your family. Enjoy the game tomorrow - i will also be there with my Carlton supporting wife 😬
Wonderful piece of writing. Best wishes Nat - love you on the HI pod.
thankyou so much!