Collingwood vice-captain Brayden Maynard has opened up on his battle with OCD (Obsessive-compulsive disorder).
The disorder causes recurrent, intrusive and unwanted thoughts as well as often making those affected feel an overwhelming need to do or think something again and again.
Speaking on the Keegan and Company Podcast, Maynard said the disorder troubled him early in his career as he’d often train and play after little or no sleep with his OCD keeping him up at night.
“I feel like there's a lot of people out there going through OCD,” Maynard said on the Keegan and Company Podcast.
“I feel like it's pretty popular (common), and to talk about it, it's pretty tough.
“It did affect me sort of negatively. I had to go into training and play games with no sleep because that's how much it would affect me.
“I'd be up all night, checking (my phone) … when I look at it, and it's not stupid stuff, it's just stuff that you think, ‘Why am I doing this?’.”
After working with professionals to manage the disorder, Maynard went through some of the tools that have helped him battle OCD and get the most out of himself as an established AFL player.
“Not making your mind so triggered before going to bed (is one tool),” Maynard said.
“If you're in a calm state, then you're more than likely not going to be anxious or getting up or do whatever you do when you do have OCD.
“I (restrict) blue light (intake), a lot more meditation, just calming myself down because I feel like I'm a pretty hyperactive guy.
“(I do) cold water therapy. I did that quite a few years ago and that really helped a lot.
“If I did have anything to sort of think about, I would write it down.
“You can put plans in place, but over time, you gradually get better. It's not just going to finish overnight.”
The 27-year-old says he’s still dealing with OCD but is getting better at battling the disorder.
He hopes speaking about his struggles can help those who are also affected by OCD symptoms.
“Like I said, I'm still dealing with it,” Maynard said.
“I'm happy to talk about it. To be able to sort of battle with OCD, to be able to talk about it, that actually hits different.”
Across his 186 games in the black and white, the 2023 premiership player has been named an All-Australian and finished second in the club’s Copeland Trophy in two of the last three seasons.
