Footy legend Rex Hunt’s family reveals Aussie sports icon’s shock diagnosis
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Football fans are shocked by football legend and media personality Rex Hunt’s recent revelation.
His family shared a devastating diagnosis that comes on the heels of his ongoing battle with mental health issues.
Hunt is known for his vibrant commentary and larger-than-life personality.
His diagnosis, confirmed by his family, has cast a spotlight on the issue of mental health in the world of sports.
'Rex has recently been diagnosed with dementia,' Hunt’s wife, Lynne said.
'We are dealing with this as a family and are giving him love and support.'
'He is fit and in good spirits and looking forward to going fishing again soon.'
'Thousands of families around Australia have loved ones living with dementia, and we are no different from any of them.'
'We are so very grateful for the constant support of Rex’s doctors and our friends.'
Rex's long-time friend and fellow football media figure, Sam Newman, has been vocal in his support.
'It is a thing that grabs people at various stages of their life,' Newman said.
'I have been out to see Rex a couple of times, and he is up and down in his mental acuity, but if he gets his meds right he is fine, so we wish him well.'
'We wish him well, we really do, because he had been—probably still is—a very great contributor to entertaining.'
The 74-year-old was previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a mental health condition characterised by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression), after an on-air 'meltdown'.
In January, Hunt called the police for assistance at 2 am after pulling to the side of the road near Avalon Airport.
Reports at the time did not indicate the nature of the emergency, triggering intense concern for the beloved sports icon. After being assessed, Hunt was brought to a private mental health facility in Geelong.
Hunt then received mental health care for six weeks.
'Life will never ever be the same,' Hunt said in an interview with Newman.
'Mental illness is a nasty word for some, but until it happens to you, I had no idea the ups and downs your mind goes through when you are suffering what I am suffering.'
Then, in September, he reportedly returned to a private care facility due to his mental health issues.
Newman then sent his friend a public message of support.
'It is well documented that I am a friend of Rex Hunt and I worry for his present state of mind,' Newman said.
'He should give himself a break from public life and focus on his wellbeing spiritually, physically and mentally. He is a good friend, and we all want the best for him.'
Rex's journey with mental health began seven years ago when he became dependent on opioids following surgery for a debilitating neck injury.
'I overdosed on opioids and went downhill very, very quickly,' he said.
'I am completely off opioids now. I am certainly on a couple of medications from my psychiatrist to try and level out my brain, but it is a big thing.'
'If I can help somebody to understand that you can be what is normal, or quite normal in your particular mind, and the next moment you are in a straight jacket down in a facility.'
'It is a chemical imbalance in the brain, and I have been diagnosed with bipolar depression, high highs and low lows.'
We wish Rex Hunt all the best in his journey and salute his family’s courage in sharing his story with the world.
If you, or someone you know, is in crisis and needs help now, call triple zero (000). You may also call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
You can check out this post for other mental health helplines in Australia.
What are your thoughts on this story? Let us know in the comments below.
His family shared a devastating diagnosis that comes on the heels of his ongoing battle with mental health issues.
Hunt is known for his vibrant commentary and larger-than-life personality.
His diagnosis, confirmed by his family, has cast a spotlight on the issue of mental health in the world of sports.
Rex Hunt was diagnosed with another mental health condition. Image source: Instagram/@therealrexhunt.
'Rex has recently been diagnosed with dementia,' Hunt’s wife, Lynne said.
'We are dealing with this as a family and are giving him love and support.'
'He is fit and in good spirits and looking forward to going fishing again soon.'
'Thousands of families around Australia have loved ones living with dementia, and we are no different from any of them.'
'We are so very grateful for the constant support of Rex’s doctors and our friends.'
Rex's long-time friend and fellow football media figure, Sam Newman, has been vocal in his support.
'It is a thing that grabs people at various stages of their life,' Newman said.
'I have been out to see Rex a couple of times, and he is up and down in his mental acuity, but if he gets his meds right he is fine, so we wish him well.'
'We wish him well, we really do, because he had been—probably still is—a very great contributor to entertaining.'
The 74-year-old was previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a mental health condition characterised by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression), after an on-air 'meltdown'.
In January, Hunt called the police for assistance at 2 am after pulling to the side of the road near Avalon Airport.
Reports at the time did not indicate the nature of the emergency, triggering intense concern for the beloved sports icon. After being assessed, Hunt was brought to a private mental health facility in Geelong.
Hunt then received mental health care for six weeks.
'Life will never ever be the same,' Hunt said in an interview with Newman.
'Mental illness is a nasty word for some, but until it happens to you, I had no idea the ups and downs your mind goes through when you are suffering what I am suffering.'
Then, in September, he reportedly returned to a private care facility due to his mental health issues.
Newman then sent his friend a public message of support.
'It is well documented that I am a friend of Rex Hunt and I worry for his present state of mind,' Newman said.
'He should give himself a break from public life and focus on his wellbeing spiritually, physically and mentally. He is a good friend, and we all want the best for him.'
Rex's journey with mental health began seven years ago when he became dependent on opioids following surgery for a debilitating neck injury.
'I overdosed on opioids and went downhill very, very quickly,' he said.
'I am completely off opioids now. I am certainly on a couple of medications from my psychiatrist to try and level out my brain, but it is a big thing.'
'If I can help somebody to understand that you can be what is normal, or quite normal in your particular mind, and the next moment you are in a straight jacket down in a facility.'
'It is a chemical imbalance in the brain, and I have been diagnosed with bipolar depression, high highs and low lows.'
If you, or someone you know, is in crisis and needs help now, call triple zero (000). You may also call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
You can check out this post for other mental health helplines in Australia.
What are your thoughts on this story? Let us know in the comments below.
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