#34 Mental Health and Injury in Elite Sport – Janelle Cuthbertson on Asking for Help

Watch and subscribe on YouTube 📺 Janelle Cuthbertson is a former AFLW player and elite tennis athlete who has lived the part of sport most people never see – the lonely rehab sessions, the identity crash after injury, and the mental health battles that can follow. Across her career, she has faced three ACL injuries plus several long-term (and often freak) injuries, and she has recently announced her retirement after the last one.In this episode of 4TG (For The Girls), Janelle opens up about what happened after her most recent ACL when she realised she was not coping, and made the brave call to admit herself into a mental health facility for three weeks to get proper support. She shares the fear and stigma she had to push through, and the practical tools she still uses now to stay steady day to day.In this episode, we cover:The mental toll of ACL rehab and isolationIdentity loss and the retirement transitionWhy Janelle admitted herself to a mental health facilityTools that helped – journaling, short-term goals, regulating morningsLeadership, vulnerability, and psychological safety in teamsWomen’s sport pressures behind the scenesFollow JanelleInstagram: @janelle_cuthboSupport (Australia)Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7)Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467Beyond Blue: 1300 22 463613YARN (First Nations): 13 92 76Kids Helpline (5–25): 1800 55 1800Emergency: Call 000 if you or someone else is in immediate dangerSupport the showABOUT THE HOSTKylie Lynch is the Founder and Host of 4TG (For The Girls), a podcast and platform on a mission to keep more girls and women in sport.A VFLW athlete, Australian representative in Polocrosse, coach, mentor and media/communications professional, Kylie has spent her career at the intersection of sport, media and community impact. Through 4TG, she shares the stories, lessons and experiences of elite athletes, coaches and industry leaders to help girls and women build confidence, navigate challenges and stay involved in sport for longer. Because sport doesn't just build athletes. It builds confidence, resilience, leadership, connection and opportunities that positively impact girls and women both on and off the field.Connect with Kylie:Instagram: @kylie__lynchLinkedIn: Kylie LynchWebsite: www.4tg.com.auEmail: [email protected] THE 4TG COMMUNITY4TG exists to help keep more girls and women in sport.Through powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, experts and industry leaders, we're building a community where girls and women feel inspired, supported and empowered to stay in the game.Instagram: @4tg_podcastTikTok: ...