12/06/2023
Looking back at an old post...
"Hi,
My name is Stephen Arnold, know me before you judge me.
As most of you will know, I was diagnosed with bipolar at 21, and this is something I have battled with over the last decade.
At that time I was signed with Auckland rugby on a development contract, and released to concentrate on life outside of rugby.
I was raised in a loving family, in what is rated one of the best suburbs, in one of the best cities, in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. With an odd bunch around me, also known as my best mates, it would be fair to say I was living the good life.
However, at 21 all I could think about doing was ending it. I look back and remember at my lowest times, getting home from work, and just locking myself in my room and crying, sometime for hours.
For someone who had the looks, the laughs, the skills to pay the bills, how could this happen?!... It was bigger than the rugby thing, everywhere I looked, war, poverty, corruption, not being able to find a girlfriend. Life happened, and I just thought, what can I do? What is the point... On the weekend, at 32, I decided to hang up the boots, and I want to make use of my time to make a difference. Everywhere I look, I see more and more about su***de, especially young males, and I want to do what I can to minimise this.
Sport helped me out of my deepest, darkest times, and I hope to help others.
I hope by sharing my story as others have, it will help those that are struggling to realise it is ok to be down, and there is light at the end, even if it does seem a long way away.
If you are struggling, please reach out. Or if you know someone struggling, but can't relate, if you think I can help, please reach out.
I'm hear for you,
I will listen.
Email: [email protected]
Snap: S2theArnold
IG: Sarnold87
Black Sheep Sports
All Sports for All Sorts
Join the flock
Keep the dream alive
Keep yourself alive
Peace ✌️"
