Former Western Bulldogs youngster Aiden O'Driscoll has opened up on life after leaving the AFL at the age of 18 after suffering a career-ending concussion in his first pre-season after being drafted.
A training incident in January last year immediately left the first-year Bulldogs wingman with an uncertain playing future just two months after he was drafted by the club out of Perth.
An Independent Medical Concussion Panel reviewed O'Driscoll's health prior to the young midfielder being advised to retire on medical grounds.
The outcome brought an end to O'Driscoll's career before it could start, with the luckless AFL aspirant shedding light on his situation this week via a post on Instagram.
O'Driscoll wrote on the difficulties and emotions he faced with his AFL dreams coming to an abrupt close, and the impact the past two years have had on his mental health.
"Agghhh words can't describe the emotions I've felt the last 2 years of my life. From being drafted at the age of 18 years, to being medically retired 5 months post is the most traumatic thing I've experienced…. I don't want this message to make people feel sorry for me or anything, this is purely from the heart and everyone needs to hear how I truely am," he wrote.
"The Grief I feel, comes and goes. I had periods where my mental health was at my absolute lowest, I felt I was stuck in a box and couldn't get out. Imagine feeling that everyday for at least a month. I felt scared, lost, lonely, i literally went through every emotion. Sometimes when I have a smile on my face and seem energetic that doesn't mean I'm [100].
View this post on Instagram
"I had a panel discussion with AFL experts as an 18 year old! I was a kid. Thank God mum was there with me. At first when I received the news, I was numb I felt as if my soul left my body. My identity was no longer there. When we left I cried straight into mums arms and said why me? What'd I do to deserve this? I worked so hard.
"When you see me out in public, please try not to speak about the concussion and footy side of things. The on going question: “Can you play footy again” NO.
O'Driscoll is now seeking to help others working through "the toughest periods of life", with the Western Australian now looking forward to the next chapter of his life.
The 20-year-old has "come to realise AFL isn't everything", and that "there's so much life has to offer", hoping to turn his adversity into a source of inspiration.
"Although these past 6 months I've started seeing a psych, I've kept fit and healthy. I want to inspire people to keep going, even through the toughest periods of life. Appreciate the little things life has to offer. I've come to realise AFL isn't everything, there's so much life has to offer. Every setback is a setup for an even bigger comeback," O'Driscoll continued.
"I'm so excited for my next chapter, I've got a few things lined up… that was the scariest part, what was next? But I've got a plan. Family, close friends, fitness, music have been a key part of my rehab process. Some people probably think, I couldn't think of anything worse than the gym or running. But it makes me feel so happy! I hope everyone understands the pain and grief I've been through. Advice: Keep positive through challenging periods
"Be Honest with your friends and family about how you're feeling. More good things to life than bad. Look after yourself before anyone else. Don't be afraid of what others might think."
