‘I've been to hell and I'm back. If you're in that same place, then
I understand what you're going through.’
John Kirwan was one of the most devastating wingers New Zealand, and world,
rugby had ever seen. A prominent and revered figure at the dawn of the
professional age of rugby, he seemed to live a charmed life.
But nobody knew, though, that behind closed doors ‘JK’ was living a life
of torment. Afflicted with depression for many years – including those as a
high-profile sportsman – Kirwan was able to survive by reaching out, seeking
help from those closest to him.
All Blacks Don't Cry is John Kirwan's story of hope, of working through the
pain and living a full life. It is a poignant, inspirational and helpful example
for anybody battling depression.
At my worst moments, I lost all sense of hope for the future. As I began to
slowly get better, I began to be able to say to myself, ‘This will pass,
you'll get through this. Hang on to hope.’