Stuart MacGill Opens Up on Anxiety and Employment Struggles

Former Australian Test cricketer Stuart MacGill has spoken candidly about his mental health struggles following his conviction in a cocaine case. In his first interview since the court ruling, MacGill shared his experiences with anxiety, difficulties in finding employment, and concerns for his children’s wellbeing. The leg-spinner, who took 208 wickets in 44 Tests for Australia, is currently serving a community sentence after being convicted for facilitating a cocaine deal.

MacGill was implicated in arranging a $330,000 transaction for a kilogram of cocaine. He set up a meeting between a dealer and his partner’s brother at a restaurant located on Sydney’s north shore. While he has denied knowledge of the deal itself, MacGill admitted to purchasing cocaine from the dealer for personal use.

During his appearance on the Howie Games podcast, MacGill expressed little concern for public opinion but emphasized his worries regarding the impact of his legal troubles on his children. “I don’t care what people are saying about me, but I do care what was happening to the kids and I know it has been very difficult for them,” he stated.

MacGill shared his experience with anxiety, describing it as a significant challenge in his life. “I get very anxious. People talk about the half-full half-empty situation – well, I’ve always said I’m neither of them, I’m completely empty,” he said, reflecting on his mental state. He noted that while depression has not been a major issue for him, managing anxiety remains a daily struggle.

The former cricketer highlighted the difficulties his children face in navigating social media during this turbulent time. “My kids have had to put up with it. I can just turn the media off but it is very difficult for kids to turn social media off,” he explained. This concern for his children’s mental wellbeing has weighed heavily on him.

As MacGill attempts to rebuild his life, he faces challenges in securing regular employment, although he has managed to find some work as a cricket coach. “I’m doing my coaching but other than that I’m not really working much, which is a pain because I have a pretty active mind and trying to shut that off is hard work,” he said.

Amidst these challenges, MacGill drew on his experiences as a professional athlete to navigate difficult situations. “If you hit rock bottom there is sunshine ahead,” he remarked, offering insight into his coping mechanisms. He advised against dwelling on negative experiences, likening it to playing Test cricket: “If you have a bad day, don’t buy a paper. If you have a good day, buy every paper in the stand.”

The impact of recent events has also altered MacGill’s social life. He mentioned spending more time at home and watching television, noting, “I don’t mind my own company, which is a good thing. I get lonely sometimes, but I think that’s happened to a lot of people since Covid.” He acknowledged that he has distanced himself from his previously extensive social network to better manage his environment.

As MacGill continues to navigate life after his legal troubles, his openness about anxiety and the challenges of fatherhood provides a glimpse into the personal battles many face, particularly in the public eye. His journey underscores the importance of mental health awareness and the struggles associated with recovery and rebuilding one’s life after significant adversity.