Rugby league: New Zealand Warriors star Shaun Johnson opens up on mental health struggles

Shaun Johnson says men should not feel ashamed to seek help for their mental health struggles. Photo / Photosport

Returning New Zealand Warriors playmaker Shaun Johnson has opened up on his mental health struggles and is encouraging NRL fans to do the same.

Johnson, who joins his former side from the Sharks in 2022, said he had been using the off-season to have tough conversations around his mental wellbeing.

"I've been doing a lot of speaking lately. Talking/venting to people I trust and feel comfortable with," Johnson explained on Twitter.

"What I'm feeling can be solved and so can what you're feeling. I'm not alone and neither are you."

Johnson was quick to point out that suicide remains the biggest killer of young people in Australia.

"76% of suicides are by men, with suicide being the biggest cause of death for men under 35," the Kiwi international wrote.

"Yet men are less likely to speak out or access psychological therapies than woman (sic).

"We need to break the stigma and end the silence.

"Do not man up, it's time to talk."

I’ve been doing a lot of speaking lately. Talking/venting to people I trust and feel comfortable with. What I’m feeling can be solved and so can what you’re feeling. Im not alone and neither are you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/mX6Z6CwgPW

— Shaun Johnson (@Shaun_Johnson90) November 6, 2021

Johnson has long been an exponent of opening up about mental health — he worked closely with Cronulla's performance, leadership and mindset coach Dan Haesler to improve the mental side of his game during his time in the Shire.

The 31-year-old has now left the Sharks to link up with the Warriors, with whom he began his NRL career in 2011.

He's preparing to say goodbye to his family, whom he won't see until next year, to join the Warriors for their pre-season this month.

The Warriors looked desperate for an experienced game manager this season and while they may have found one in Johnson, it remains to be seen who will partner the veteran in the halves next season.

Nathan Brown's side has picked ex-Titan Ash Taylor up on the cheap but also have Chanel Harris-Tavita and Kodi Nikorima vying for the role of Johnson's co-pilot.

Sean O'Sullivan won't be competing for that spot, having inked a deal with the Penrith Panthers for the 2022 season this week.

WHERE TO GET HELP:

If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.

OR IF YOU NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE ELSE:

• LIFELINE: 0800 543 354 or 09 5222 999 within Auckland (available 24/7)
• SUICIDE CRISIS HELPLINE: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633 ,free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.
• NEED TO TALK? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7)
• KIDSLINE: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• WHATSUP: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757
• SAMARITANS – 0800 726 666.