The Tim Smith Situation

[parra-matters]

Burth?=Birth
So that means a new fullback is born?
WTF?

 

[parra pete]

A star in the east?

 

[eelz47]

west side is de best

 

[eelaholic]

As confirmed by Fitzy at the AGM, Tim suffers from Bipolar disorder

What people don't realise that 15% of people diagnosed are suicidal. The illness stems from a chemical imbalance in the brain where the person will suffer massive highs (maniac) to rock bottom lows

Whilst the condition is treatable by ongoing medication, this is not something that Tim can recover from overnight. There is a long, rough road ahead of young Tim.

I believe under the guideance of Hages and Joey (having gone through this situation previously) and a strong support base of family, Tim can bounce back and live up to the expectations the rugby league community has placed on him. You may find that such pressure and expectation has also contributed to his condition and self destructive nature

Whilst his behaviour may be unacceptable and I do not use this as an excuse, it is, however, a symptom of his condition and in most cases goes hand in hand as a sufferer of Bipolar

Tim, I wish you strength through your recovery and trust that as part of the Parramatta Club you will not be alone in your battle with illness

 

[Gronk]

Michael Slater was (is) bipolar. He went off the rails for a while but now seems to be living a balanced life. There's light at the end of the tunnel Tim.

 

[Stagger eel]

As confirmed by Fitzy at the AGM, Tim suffers from Bipolar disorder

What people don't realise that 15% of people diagnosed are suicidal. The illness stems from a chemical imbalance in the brain where the person will suffer massive highs (maniac) to rock bottom lows

Whilst the condition is treatable by ongoing medication, this is not something that Tim can recover from overnight. There is a long, rough road ahead of young Tim.

I believe under the guideance of Hages and Joey (having gone through this situation previously) and a strong support base of family, Tim can bounce back and live up to the expectations the rugby league community has placed on him. You may find that such pressure and expectation has also contributed to his condition and self destructive nature

Whilst his behaviour may be unacceptable and I do not use this as an excuse, it is, however, a symptom of his condition and in most cases goes hand in hand as a sufferer of Bipolar

Tim, I wish you strength through your recovery and trust that as part of the Parramatta Club you will not be alone in your battle with illness

 

[caylo]

Michael Slater was (is) bipolar. He went off the rails for a while but now seems to be living a balanced life. There's light at the end of the tunnel Tim.

yep, this was during his divorce and him being dropped from the test team. During struggling periods (like timmy's injury) people who suffer are more likley to go off the rail, as stated the club needs to show support to timmy, atleast help him in his illness even if he never plays for parramatta again.

 

[bartman]

Nicely stated Holic.

There's been some good documentaries over here about bipolar - Stephen Fry the actor is a sufferer and filmed a two part show interviewing lots of people about their experiences, treatments etc. It's not easy, but as you said no excuse for choosing not to face up to the behaviours/impacts.

Good news is Tim is now starting down that path, and good luck to him no matter how long it takes.

 

[APRIL BELLE]

I am sure that every league person hopes his condition can be successfully managed.

This is truly tragic because unfortunately medications ( Olanzapine, Clozaril ) he will have to take to battle this illness will make it impossible for him to remain an athlete. Some of the medication are even banned substances for athletes.

If he truly is Bipolar he will not play rugby league this year and maybe never again.

 

[bartman]

That may be a possibility AB, but perhaps Tim could apply for an exemption for any drugs he might need to be taking, in the same way others have got exemptions for banned drugs in the past for medically recognised conditions.

I just hope Tim doesn't put himself under pressure to focus on a specific date to return, and is just patient with coming to terms with this. All the official comments from the club have been supportive of that view, and I would be surprised if we see his this season.

 

[WA Eel]

If Adam McDougall can be exempt from using steroids (or something of that nature), I can't see why Tim Smith shouldn't be exempt from an anti-depressant.

 

[The EELiminator]

im sure if tim has a medical condition that requires him to take medication that will be allowed by the nrl

 

[fish eel]

Bi Polar if thats what Tim has isnt something you recover from.

It's life long management.

 

[sportive cupid]

I would have said the same thing Fish.There is no recovery from Bipolar,just management.Usually this is done under the supervision of a doctor and health team-not a coach and playmaker who may or may not have the same diagnosis.

 

[Hellsy]

They can be there as a good support though, which it sounds like they have offered.

When was Johns diagnosed? Was it before he finished or after when the media got it?

 

[The Colonel]

I think Johns was supposed to have been diagnosed five or six years ago....... maybe longer

 

[Hellsy]

Wow!
And the media never got hold of it, thats pretty good.

I now see a purpose for Johns in our team and will be glad he will be working alongside Tim (*my fingers are crossed he will be anyway*)