Wayne Schwass' Powerful Discussion On Mental Health

AFL champion and Triple M Footy's Wayne Schwass joined Stubbsy's Summer Breakfast this morning for a powerful discussion on mental health.

Schwass is a major advocate on the matter, founding social enterprise Puka Up.

Following the events in recent days regarding mental health in the AFL community, Schwass joined Triple M this morning for an important conversation with Richard and Rosie.

LISTEN HERE:

"It affects everybody in our community and everybody on the spectrum," Schwass said.

"We need to acknowledge and accept that these conditions don't discriminate, people do not go looking for them, we don't do it for attention and we can't 'just snap out of it'.

"If it was that easy, we would."

Referring specifically to the AFL community, Schwatta believes there is still plenty to be done in the mental health space.

"We need to sometimes remind ourselves that we have a group of 900 young men who get an opportunity to do something very few people get a chance to do and they get paid a significant amount of money," he said.

"And what tends to happen is people gravitate to the money - 'they're well-paid, they've got a lot of money, what have they got to be depressed about?'

"It's got nothing to do with money!"

Schwass also had advice for anyone listening that might be struggling themselves - citing a visit to the GP as an effective solution.

"If people are listening to this and it does stir up emotions - or you're not comfortable with the type of conversation that we're having - and it makes you feel anxious or nervous or you're emotional about it; see your GP," Schwass said.

"Your GP is your number 1 person we should be going to and talking to about these issues."

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636. If it is an emergency, call triple-0.