The hairy problem Dan Carter faces



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How Dan Carter wanted to see himself with a mustache.

AND INSTAGRAM CARTER

How Dan Carter wanted to see himself with a mustache.

Dan Carter played 112 tryouts for the All Blacks, won two Rugby World Cups and retired as the game’s top scorer, but says he faces one of his toughest challenges this month: growing a mustache to raise mental health awareness. .

“I can’t grow a strong mo ‘(mustache),” Carter, who normally only has to shave about twice a week, told Reuters in an interview.

“I’ve cut bits and pieces over the years, but I never committed to growing one for a month.

Daniel Carter's consistent clean-shaven appearance has been for good reason.

fake images

Daniel Carter’s consistent clean-shaven appearance has been for good reason.

“It’s been just over a week and it’s really pathetic.”

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The 38-year-old’s commitment to his “slug” is linked to the global charity Movember, which focuses on men’s health issues, although he was particularly interested in raising awareness of mental health and suicide among men.

Carter has started a social media campaign #keeptheballgoing where people will be encouraged to film themselves catching a ball and then ‘passing it’ to three friends as a way to “control” their mental health.

He added that it was particularly important this year because the new coronavirus pandemic had exacerbated people’s anxiety about job safety and their health.

“A man commits suicide every minute all over the world,” Carter said. “Three out of every four suicides are also men. So it is a serious problem.

“I knew it was wrong. But I didn’t realize until recently how bad it was. “

Carter said he knew people who had committed suicide and while he struggled with his own ups and downs throughout his historic rugby career, he was fortunate to have the support of family and friends.

He added that the stigma around discussing mental health was also slowly diminishing, and former All Blacks winger John Kirwan was instrumental in raising the issue in New Zealand’s normally stoic collective consciousness.

“It’s been amazing,” Carter said of Kirwan’s revelation of his battles with depression and his work to challenge attitudes towards it.

“The work that he’s done around men’s mental health and mental health (in general) … He’s a real advocate and he’s doing great work.”

Carter had also reached out to the current All Blacks, especially Captain Sam Cane, to get the team involved.

Running back Brad Weber said during a video conference Thursday that he was also participating in Movember, though his efforts weren’t as prominent.

“It’s good to know that I’m not the only one growing a pathetic mustache,” Carter said with a laugh.

“(But) you don’t have to grow a mustache. It’s more of an opportunity to reach out to some colleagues and to sign up and raise awareness. “

WHERE TO GET HELP

  • 1737, do you need to talk? Call toll free or text 1737 to speak with a trained counselor.

  • Kidsline 0800 54 37 54 for people up to 18 years old. Open 24/7.

  • Life line 0800 543 354

  • Rural support trust 0800 787 254

  • Samaritans 0800 726 666

  • Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828865 (0508 SUPPORT)

  • Youthline 0800 376 633, free text 234, email [email protected], or find online chat and other support options here.

  • Anxiety New Zealand 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)

  • If it’s an emergency Click here to find the number for your local crisis assessment team.

  • In a life-threatening situation, call 111.

PITCH PRODUCTIONS

Dan Carter won the World Rugby Player of the Decade award from his good friend Richie McCaw.

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