Former NHL goaltender helps people overcome mental health struggles
Former NHL goaltender, Corey Hirsch, has spoken to thousands of Canadians about his struggles with mental health.
“If you're struggling out there, it gets better. I'm living proof of that. That's why I do this,” said Hirsch.
Hirsch travels across the country fighting the good fight, as an advocate for mental health.
“I couldn't see a rock bottom,” he said. “You know, it was dark, and I couldn't even see a tomorrow.”
The 52-year-old said he was having repetitive deep, dark thoughts while a member of the New York Rangers, even after they won the Stanley Cup in 1994. He didn't know why, but he suffered through the internal storms while hiding his struggles.
“Heaven forbids, an NHL goalie back then, with the stigma, raise their hand and say they had mental health issues,” said Hirsch.
“Eventually, I was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder.”
Hirsch said hockey is not to blame for his condition and wants to encourage as many people as possible to seek help if they are feeling the same way.
“Peter Dobrich of PFG Wealth Group has put this together,” he said.
“He's brought me in for specifically to speak to people and get people in the community that need to get the help and encourage them to get the help and let them know that it's okay to raise your hand and say that I'm not okay.”
Dobrich, founding partner of Private Financial Group, is a former hockey player and rooted in the community. Having also been part-owner of Windsor Spitfires, Dobrich has seen how the pressure of the game can affect players in different ways.
“The younger kids today are affected by that,” said Dobrich.
“And then also the social poll and hyper-comparison online, etc. and they're just not having an outlet to be able to talk about it.”
According to officials at the Windsor branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), men are heavily affected by mental health struggles.
“Men can be less willing or view mental health issues as a weakness and yet they have significant numbers as it relates to suicide completions in the country, about 75 per cent would be men,” said Kim Willis, CMHA’s director of mental health promotion.
“We want you to check in, not check out.”
As a financial professional, Dobrich sees the pressure men are having in this economy.
“The bottom pressure on a paycheck, trying to provide, trying to do everything, trying to keep up with the Joneses and stay tough and move forward and do what you gotta do.”
Hirsch made some big saves as a goalie and continues to do so as an advocate. One thing he has learned during his time on the road, “It’s almost more important to be that buddy that somebody can talk to, that can listen, that will help somebody go get the help if they need it.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Sparks fly as MPs question minister on pension implications of proposed election date change
Sparks flew at a parliamentary committee Thursday as MPs questioned Canada's democratic institutions minister about a widely opposed provision in electoral reform legislation that seeks to delay the next fixed election date by one week.
'There is no electricity': Canadian travellers in Cuba urge caution in hurricane's wake
Cuba's power grid was knocked out by Hurricane Rafael, which ripped across the country as a Category 3 storm. In western Cuba, it toppled buildings and pushed 50,000 people to find shelter elsewhere. Cubans were already enduring rolling blackouts due to energy shortages.
Three charged in One Direction singer Liam Payne's death
Three people have been charged in relation to One Direction singer Liam Payne's death in a fall from his Buenos Aires hotel balcony last month, Argentine authorities said on Thursday.
RCMP already 'on high alert' for potential wave of migrants after Trump election
Canada's federal police force has been preparing for months on a contingency plan for a potential massive influx of migrants across the border following Trump's promise of 'mass deportations' of millions of undocumented immigrants in the U.S.
'There was no stopping this baby from coming': Woman gives birth while aboard Newfoundland ferry
A young family from Codroy Valley, N.L., is happy to be on land and resting with their newborn daughter, Miley, after an overwhelming, yet exciting experience at sea.
Volkswagen models recalled for airbag safety precaution
Recall notices have been issued for some Volkswagen models from 2006 to 2019 for airbag safety issues.
America votes: How celebrities are reacting to Trump's decisive victory
Celebrities from Hulk Hogan to Ariana Grande are sharing their reactions to the U.S. election, which will see Donald Trump return to the White House.
3 Winnipeg police officers charged with breach of trust, theft
Three members of the Winnipeg Police Service have been charged with breach of trust, obstruction of justice and theft following a lengthy investigation
Canadian arrested in Florida for allegedly possessing child sex abuse content
A 25-year-old Canadian man was arrested in Florida last weekend after police say he was caught with child sex abuse content.