WayAhead mental health ambassador Kennedy Cherrington has been using her platform to break stigma and have open conversations about mental health.
Cherrington is an NRLW player for the Parramatta Eels and a proud Ngāpuhi – Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Tūwharetoa – Ngāti Ruapani woman.
"I've always wanted to use my platform to be in amongst the community because I feel that community is so important from a cultural perspective," Ms Cherrington told National Indigenous Times.
"I was once a young little girl who had big dreams and now I'm ticking off those big dreams."
Her dedication to mental health advocacy stems from lived experiece, beginning as a child when she underwent heart surgery caused by Coronary Heart Disease.
"I was basically told that if I didn't have surgery, I would potentially pass away from cardiac arrest," she said.
"I've always had this grit and determination and a way to get through things… that's kind of the foundation of who I am."
Living away from her family as a teenager while chasing her rugby dreams tested her strength.
"Coming back to Sydney by myself was very scary as the oldest because you want to be the best role model for your young siblings," she said.
"My parents were the best in saying that they were very supportive of me moving.
"They pushed me to be better and I'm very grateful that they did."
The COVID-19 pandemic was a difficult time, rendering her isolated and struggling with her mental health.
"During that tough time, I just kind of lost myself a bit. I struggled very, very bad," she said.
"But I came out the other end, brighter than ever, just really lent on my support system.
"I needed a hug from mum."
That same year she made her NRLW debut and went on to win Dally M Rookie of the Year in 2020.
"At the start of the year, I was thinking really bad thoughts about myself and whether I wanted to be on this planet," she said.
"By the end of the year, I'm a breakthrough Player of the Year. Life is crazy."
Cherrington now shares the tools that help her stay balanced, including journaling, staying connected with family and teammates, and reaching out to professional supports when needed.
"I'm a big journaler as well. I like to get my thoughts and feelings out via paper or just in my notes on my phone," she said.
"You've got to have your 100 per cent person… those people that are there at 3am, not going, 'I'll answer this later'."
For her, the message is simple: "Ask questions, ask for help."
"You're so loved and this world is better with you in it," she said.
"There's strength and power, or mana, in asking for help."
If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out to your support systems or ones provided.
13 YARN (13 92 76)
WayAhead 9339 6000
Lifeline 13 11 14
Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491
Beyondblue 1300 22 4636
