Blighted by drugs and depression, James O’Connor found a way back to the Wallabies

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He was a rugby prodigy who debuted for Australia at 18 but then his life descended into a hell of depression and drugs. Amid the darkness, James O'Connor found his way back to the Wallabies.

Then during some of the lowest points of his life, O'Connor started to hate the sport that had given him everything."I couldn't express myself, I couldn't communicate well enough to be able to talk to some of the players in the team and the coaches to be able to get my side across. Even rugby became negative for me.

"I think you start tricking yourself. At first you are taking it for your body and then it is like your mind is so strong, and then after a while you become reliant on this," he explained. "You are not sleeping well so you start taking a sleeping tablet and by the end of it you are taking a cocktail of everything and you're never like in your normal present state — you are always dulled, you are always in a deficit."During a spell with English Premiership club Sale Sharks, O'Connor discovered a renewed focus on what he wanted to achieve from the rest of his career — to play at a second World Cup with the Wallabies.

His work with Saviour World also encouraged him to embrace activities like building Lego in his down time to help with relaxation.

 

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The ‘brands’ pathway was clear & easy. The standard is poor, the team is 6th in the world & the sports administrators are run by Capt Jack Sparrows mum, an airline & a banker.

I think I am depressed because my work and my life will not allow me to be blighted by drugs.... FFS!

Another sportsperson who stole the mental health excuse for their choice in life. Excuse is as bad as their habit.

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