All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams has opened up about the struggles in tackling mental illness in men, trying to break down the barriers about such a seemingly taboo subject.
Preparing for his return to the All Blacks after a shoulder injury, Williams opened up to Australia's News Corp, revealing his personal journey in recent times, saying he's in a good place with his life.
"I'm far from being the spokesman for mental health, or masculinity," he told News Corp.
"I'm just sharing bits of my journey, through my social media base, that I feel can help the way young men think, the way women and families see why their teenagers feel this way or why their partner is doing that.
"It's about starting those conversations."
Earlier this year, Williams came to attention with a series of tweets, apparently eager to raise the subject of mental wellbeing.
"Real men cry and im learning to feel that joy you really have to sit with that pain or whatever unwanted emotion you have," he wrote in July.
"Don't mind me- I'm just doing my part to try break down barriers of unhealthy thinking men have around masculinity."
Williams also spoke about his faith, and raising his children under the tenets of Islam.
"I'm living the best life I can through my religion, through a healthy mindset," he said.
"Why am I going to strip away what I have in my household to people whose misconception of Islam is based upon views of people who don't understand the beautiful religion.
"If I'm being a good man and in my household we're about being good people, and treating others the way you want to be treated, then I don't see the problem with that."
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has said that Williams will be in contention to return to the All Blacks against South Africa in Wellington later this month.
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