Episode 18 - Darius Boyd. Strategies elite athletes use to perform on the big stage.

Paramedic Mindset

03/01/23 • 52 min

The Story Shared:

Darius Boyd shared his journey from being one of the best Rugby League players in the world to being admitted into a mental health facility. Darius opens up about his mental struggle during a time when seemingly on the surface everything looked perfect. He spoke about the courage it took to put his hand up and admit that he needed help in an environment that stigmatised mental well-being.

About Darius Boyd:

Broncos, Dragons, Knights, Maroons, Australia ... Darius Boyd is an NRL champion. This raw, honest and inspiring episode takes us into the heart of his footy and private life and reveals his fight to conquer his demons and live a better life.

Listing statistics, awards and premierships doesn’t reveal the battles that Darius Boyd has faced off the field. A teenager with a troubled background, he started his career with innate footy talent but also the emotional baggage of an unknown father, the devastating loss of loved ones, and a mother who was walking a mental health tightrope herself, which as a kid he didn't understand.

As his talent shone on the field and his profile increased, Darius struggled. Hiding years of depression and unhappiness, playing footy was his escape. But no one can run from themselves forever. The horrific spinal injury to good mate and Newcastle Knights teammate Alex McKinnon was the catalyst that finally broke Darius. Realising he needed help for his anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts, he turned his back on football, checked into a mental health facility and began to mend his life and himself.

Career Highlights:

→ 28 State of Origin games for Queensland.

→ 23 games for Australia.

→ Clive Churchill winner in the 2010 NRL Premiership.

Expertise:

→ Improving mental health in Athletes.

→ Professional Rugby League Coach.

→ Resilience training for youth.

For more on Darius Boyd read his book – Battling the Blues.

Follow me on Instagram and YouTube.

For more, go to https://www.paramedicmindset.com.au/

Music by Ehrling Music.