Australian Story: August 24

Monday’s Australian Story profiles English Super League player and former NRL star Greg Inglis.

This episode is introduced by Mal Meninga.

Whether playing for the Storm, the Rabbitohs, Queensland or Australia, rugby league legend Greg Inglis was never less than devastating. But off the field was a different story.

For years Greg and those close to him struggled to make sense of his powerful mood swings.

He was prescribed a range of medication for depression and anxiety and self-medicated with alcohol, leading to two stints in rehabilitation clinics.

It was only after the second of these, in May last year, that he received a correct diagnosis for his condition. Psychiatrist Professor Gordon Parker identified him as suffering from bipolar II, a condition characterised by severe oscillations in mood and energy.

Although it is the most serious mood disorder in terms of suicide risk, it also responds well to medication and within months Greg’s mood had stabilised.

As Greg Inglis prepares to resume his career in the UK, he speaks with extraordinary candour about his mental health and how he turned his life around. He has done so in the hope that others with the same condition won’t suffer in silence.

“I want people to know that they’re not alone and it is OK to actually reach out,” Greg tells Australian Story. “Seek help – that’s my biggest message.”

This intimate and revealing Australian Story also includes interviews with Melbourne Storm Coach Craig Bellamy, Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga, cousin and former player Preston Campbell, Federal MP Linda Burney, former Rabbitoh John Sutton and sport writer Andrew Webster.

Producers: Quentin McDermott and Greg Hassall

8pm Monday on ABC.