Angus Crichton opens up on bipolar disorder diagnosis and lifts the lid on mental health struggle

Angus Crichton said he’s feeling ‘really good and clear’ after battling bipolar disorder and revealed the toll the break-up of his relationship took on his mental health. 

The Sydney Roosters star took an indefinite break from rugby league in February  after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, before spending several weeks in a mental health facility.

He returned to action in the New South Wales Cup last week and has been named to start for the Roosters in their ANZAC Day clash against St George.

Speaking to Nine News for the first time since his diagnosis, the 27-year-old revealed his life was steadily returning to normal. 

‘It’s good to be back in a space with my teammates and my family, where I’m getting ready to play NRL again and get my life back to normal,’ he said. 

Angus Crichton has opened up on his battle with bipolar disorder 

Crichton and his former girlfriend Morgan Mitchell attended the Dally M Awards in September last year, but split up soon afterward 

Crichton explained his mental health spiralled after his breakup with his girlfriend Morgan Mitchell was made public in November last year.

The Kangaroos star and the Olympic sprinter had been an item since 2020, but enjoyed a famously private relationship.

They were pictured together at the NRL’s Dally M Awards in September last year, but appeared to part ways shortly afterward. 

‘Rugby players […] go through stuff, family issues, personal issues, relationship issues, all of that,’ he said.

‘The last six months have been really hard for me in all of those different areas. 

‘I’ve had some family stuff that I’ve had to overcome and some relationship stuff that was made public, which put a lot of strain on myself mentally.’

Coupled with the unrelenting demands of being one of the NRL’s biggest stars, the public nature of his break-up with Gibson proved to be a heavy burden to carry.

‘It [rugby league] is one of the toughest sports in the world and the scrutiny that you’re under living in Sydney and playing the sport at the level that we do, you’re under the pump every single week,’ he said.

‘It’s a bit different when personal stuff starts being questioned and brought into the papers and whatnot. 

‘I think that’s where I sort of came a little bit unstuck, but I’m feeling really good and clear now and focused on what matters.’

The New South Wales gun hasn’t played at the top level of the game since the Rugby League World Cup final in November, but revealed his love for the game hasn’t wavered during his enforced hiatus.

‘My life revolves around rugby league and being away from the game I missed it a lot,’ he said. 

‘I missed my teammates, I missed watching the games from the couch and I missed out on a lot of action and I can’t wait to get back amongst it.

‘That [his love for the game] has never been in question. I’ve always known how much I love football and I’ve never once wanted to stop.’

Crichton received support from a host of current and past NRL players, including his close friend and Rabbitohs superstar Latrell Mitchell and Andrew Johns.

The Souths star fullback, a close friend of the Roosters gun, revealed he spoke to Crichton’s family following the diagnosis.

Crichton returned to action in the New South Wales Cup last week for the Roosters

The New South Wales Origin star has been named to start for the Roosters in their ANZAC Day clash against St George Illawarra on Tuesday night  

The 27-year-old back-rower hasn’t played at the top level since Australia beat Samoa in the 2022 Rugby League World Cup final in November last year

Johns, meanwhile, visited Crichton after the latter began his rehab. 

And the Roosters star thanked those who stood by him during his recovery. 

‘For everyone to support me and look after me, I guess it’s been amazing and I do look forward to repaying everyone just by being myself,’ he said. 

I don’t want to overdo anything or overcompensate or try and do anything out of the ordinary, but just get back to life as normal.’