Mike Sheahan, reporter for the Melbourne Herald Sun wrote a series of articles about AFL star Wayne Schwass on 01.03.06. The three articles, ' Dark days are over for Schwass'; 'How Wayne tamed the black dog' and 'Athletes need better balance' featured Mr Schwass' experience of depression and anxiety.

FORMER Kangaroos and Sydney star Wayne Schwass hid his life-threatening mental illness for more than half his AFL career. Schwass said counselling and medication helped him overcome his symptoms by 2001.

The articles normalise the experience of depression and anxiety and highlight that it's common and treatable. Mike Sheahan was accurate, respectful and encouraged help-seeking. SANE wrote to Mr Sheahan on 02.03.06 to say 'Well done' and to encourage him to include Helpline phone numbers to provide support for readers, in future article about mental illness.