Psychologist Says Hackett Family Will Be Doing It Tough

Families should intervene ASAP


Article heading image for Psychologist Says Hackett Family Will Be Doing It Tough

Plenty of people are feeling for Grant Hackett, today, after news of his arrest at his parents' Gold Coast house, following a 'breakdown outburst'. 

Hackett was arrested but released without charge after his dad, Neville, called police reporting an erratic Grant had become verbally abusive and allegedly stabbed a wooden chopping block several times. 

Neville, as well as Grant's brother Craig, have spoken out about the family's desperate attempt to get mental health support

Hackett's history with substance abuse has been well documented, and it's something which Amanda Gordon, from the Australian Psychological Society, says can creep up on family members. 

"It can take a while to sink in, that it's something real, that it's a real problem for them. It will be hitting [the Hacketts] very hard right now.. that it's in the news, it's real, it's something they cannot escape anymore"

Gordon says, for other families who may be dealing with someone suffering through mental illness or substance abuse, there are lessons to be learned. 

"We would hope that people can see that it gets worse, that it escalates, so you should try to intervene early if you can."

"There is no doubt that it is at its worst, when it's reached the stage of police stations before hospitals"

"Good mental heath support from psychologists may be the thing that turns the person around. It doesn't have to reach this low, low level"

"Maybe the message from this is to intervene early"

If you, or someone you know needs support, you could call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36

Written by: Claire Sherwood clairesherwood_

16 February 2017




Listen Live!
Up Next