Surfing legend Mick Fanning has spoken openly about his mental health struggles just months after losing his third brother in tragic circumstances.
Fanning, along with NRL star Kieran Foran and surfing legend Joel Parkinson, shared their mental health journeys to promote the importance of conversations about mental wellbeing among young men.
The Titans support Top Blokes and Logan’s Legacy as part of their Round 14 match, following the tragic loss of Foran’s stepson Logan Steinwede, who took his own life in 2023.
The young surfer was only 20 years old when he died.
Fanning’s brother Edward died while living and working at a surf camp in Madagascar in March this year.
This tragedy followed the deaths of his brothers Peter, who died in his sleep due to a health issue in 2015, and Sean, who died in a car accident in Coolangatta in 1998.
Mick Fanning (left) speaks with NRL star Kieran Foran (centre) and his colleague and best friend Joel Parkinson for the Top Blokes and Logan’s Legacy Foundation, to help young people fight depression.
Fanning has lost three brothers, even when he was only 17 years old.
Foran’s stepson Logan Steinwede took his own life in 2023 and the Gold Coast Titans will honor him in a special tribute game
Speaking to Foran and Parkinson, Fanning reflected on how he had been deeply affected by the death of his brother Sean when he was a teenager.
“When I lost my first brother, I was pretty much the same,” he said after hearing Foran talk about almost taking his own life.
“I was just young, I was 16 or 17. Everyone around me was saying ‘be strong, be strong’ and I thought that was not showing emotion, not letting anyone in.”
‘So I had this wall that only fell down when I was alone in my room.
‘People would do the same thing, they’re sitting there and they’re like, how are you? And I (answered) ‘I’m fine, I’m fine.’ I just repressed so much and it all came back.’
It was through that early tragedy and the support of her friends and family that Fanning learned the importance of dealing with emotions, tools she would use for life as she faced the heartbreaking loss of two more of her siblings.
“As I went on in life, I learned that you have to deal with those things right then and there because they’re only going to grow and get worse in your head,” he said.
Fanning has bravely spoken out about her mental health struggles just months after losing her brother Edward (pictured together).
Fanning returned to the water shortly after his brother Peter’s death and was attacked by a shark in South Africa while fighting for a fourth world title.
Fanning (pictured with partner Breeana Randall) has spoken about how vital friends and family are in fighting depression.
Fanning explained that relying on his support network of family and friends, including his lifelong friendship with Parkinson’s, helped him navigate life’s challenges.
“Some people think there’s no way out, but it’s not that bad,” he said.
“You face your fears, you have your friends and family to support you and we have to help each other get through those dark times.”
‘I’ve been in the same situation where I couldn’t get out of bed. I (would wonder) ‘fuck, is this it?’ I just don’t want to go and face the world.
“I had friends who got me out of bed, got me into the water, and that’s what changed my trajectory and the way I approach things.”
Fanning (pictured right) wants to end the stigma that young men must “man up” or “be tough” when struggling with mental illness, urging them instead to seek help.
The former world champion said reaching out and asking for help was the bravest thing any young Australian could do to help themselves.
Fanning now urges other young people facing tragedy, trauma or mental health issues to open up and seek support.
“The most important thing is that when you are 17 or 18 you are destined to be a man,” he said. ‘And there is this stigma around that you have to be strong, tough.
“But I think probably the bravest thing you can do is open up to someone and talk to them.”
‘For me, during my travels, it was always calling a friend or talking to a parent or family. The people closest to you have unconditional love. They will try to do everything they can to try to help you.
‘Even if they don’t have the answers, it’s now very easy to research all that. You’ve got the Top Blokes, you’ve got It Ain’t Weak to Speak (awareness drives), you’ve got all these mental health lifesavers and all this kind of stuff.
‘It’s very easy to get in touch with these people. And in no way should it be embarrassing, it’s braver for you to go and speak.’
Top Blokes Foundation 1300 450 850
Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14 (24 hours)
Children’s helpline 1800 55 1800
Beyond Blue Support Service 1300 22 4636