Ivan Cleary reveals regret over not discussing mental health struggles with wife

In Australia, Ivan Cleary, the coach of the Penrith Panthers, has opened up about his ongoing battle with mental health, particularly focusing on the difficulties he faced during the 2019 rugby league season. Throughout this period, Cleary felt an overwhelming sense of burden, stemming from responsibilities associated with coaching, especially as it concerned his son Nathan, who played for the team. His struggles included feelings of guilt that he was not performing well enough for both his family and the club. During several interviews, he shared that these pressures built up until he began to feel the effects on his mental health significantly. Cleary's return to the Panthers coincided with personal and professional challenges that began to weigh on him heavily. He described how he felt unwell and burdened by the expectations put upon him by both the board and the team's fans. Despite his successful coaching career, he battled internal acceptance of his struggles and initially chose to keep these feelings to himself. He admitted that not discussing his issues, particularly with his wife Rebecca, was a major mistake that contributed to his ongoing mental health struggles. Over time, Cleary sought help, which included taking antidepressant medication, and he realized the importance of sharing one's feelings with loved ones. Furthermore, Cleary addressed a common theme among men regarding mental health, noting societal pressures that discourage them from expressing vulnerabilities. He emphasized that men often feel they need to maintain a facade of strength and resilience, which can lead to isolation and suffering in silence. Cleary hopes to raise awareness about these issues through his experiences, aiming to inspire more men to speak up about their mental health challenges. He believes that simple conversations about one's feelings can not only assist in one’s healing process but also help others who face similar predicaments. By sharing his journey, Ivan Cleary aims to cultivate a culture where mental health conversations become normalized rather than stigmatized. He invites dialogue about the challenges men face regarding mental health, especially those related to familial and occupational responsibilities. His unexpected candidness about profound emotional struggles has resonated with many, highlighting the significance of supportive communication within families and friendships.