RUPANYUP farmer and reserves football coach Matthew Hurley is known as a happy-go-lucky person.
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But behind closed doors, he is battling a long and difficult road.
Mr Hurley was diagnosed with depression in 2015, after suffering a mental breakdown following a horrific farming injury that left him bound to the couch for six months.
Before his diagnoses, Mr Hurley felt completely isolated in his struggle.
“There were times where I’d go out and feed the sheep and all of a sudden I’d lose track of time and had been sitting in the ute for four hours just staring at the sheep,” he said.
“I suppose I was in denial as all men are early on.
“For about four years I knew myself that something wasn't right but I didn't want to man up and face reality, it all came to a head after the accident.”
Mr Hurley had insisted there was nothing wrong with him until a beyondblue advertisement, featuring former Rupanyup farmer John Sudholz, hit home.
He said he found it incredibly difficult to speak out and ask for help. “It’s hard for men, we'll go have a couple of beers and a laugh and then you'll go home to sit on your own and that’s when things will boil up,” he said.
Rupanyup Football Netball Club will host a beyondblue bash on Saturday, at Mr Hurley’s request.
Mr Hurley hopes the bash will encourage people to speak up about their mental health problems and raise money for beyondblue.
“We could’ve just gone through the motions and kept my name out of it but I’m at the stage where I have depression and there’s no point hiding it,” he said.
“If I can get one or two people to put their hand up and speak to someone about it then it’s well worth putting my name out there.
“You just have to speak up if something doesn’t feel right, firstly to your loved ones and then to your doctor.
“It was a huge weight off my shoulders. I always felt like there was a vice pressing my organs in.
“I couldn’t breathe – and all of a sudden it’s just a relief.
“Coaching is my timeout zone. I go out there and whether it’s farming or life, it all slips away and I’m just focusing on the sport I love.”
The bash will be at at the Rupanyup Recreation Reserve and it will include a raffle, afternoon tea and wristbands with all proceeds going to beyondblue.
The event will kick off from 9.30am and community members are encouraged to get involved and wear something blue to the football to support the cause.
Rupanyup seniors will also be wearing their navy blue jumper.
Mr Hurley said the Horsham District Football Netball League should put on more than one Blue Ribbon round to raise mental health awareness and money.