Bailey Smith Opens Up About Spending Time In A Psych…

Bailey Smith Opens Up About Spending Time In A Psych Ward Amid Mental Health Battle

CONTENT WARNING: This article discusses mental health issues.

Geelong star Bailey Smith has opened up about spending a month in a psychiatric ward last season, a step he took to focus on his wellbeing while working to return to the game and settle into a new team.

After a long and challenging 12-month recovery from an ACL injury, Smith made an inspiring debut in Cats colours, capped off by his first ever All-Australian honour.

But as the spotlight grew brighter ahead of the 2025 season, the weight of expectation took its toll, leading Smith to face a deeply personal battle — one he continues to navigate with the unwavering support of his family and management.

Bailey Smith being interviewed after he was named in the AFL All-Australian Team during the 2025 AFL Awards at Centrepiece on August 28, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Until his acceptance speech, Smith had never spoken publicly about his time in the ward — his honesty drawing heartfelt applause from everyone at the AFL Awards ceremony.

“It was about a year ago that I got out of the psych ward,” Smith said.

“I was in Epworth Mental Health Clinic for about four weeks. I got a couple hours out a day which I spent training.

“I went through a really dark time and I didn’t think I would get to the other side.

“I’m grateful to be here with the support of my family and my manager Robbie. They’ve been there through the shocking times.”

Smith’s journey took a difficult turn in December 2023 when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament, sidelining him for the entire 2024 season with the Western Bulldogs.

In the months that followed, he embraced a fresh start, securing a trade to Geelong during the off-season.

“I know it is just an injury but until you sort of experience it and have your sense of identity taken away from you and then go through some teething issues with moving clubs, outside noise, still trying to grow up and rehabbing a knee … I’m super grateful to be on the otherside of it,” he continued.

“I wouldn’t change it for the world but I am certainly surprised to be where I am. It was hard but it was something that I had to do. I still see my psych because it helps me.

“I initially felt, not weak, but emasculated a little bit needing to reach out for help. I just changed my mindset – if you have a (physical) injury, you need to rehab in the gym. If you have a mental injury, you have to rehab it.”

Smith used the moment to urge the community to help normalise reaching out for support with mental health.

“If we can normalise that (treatment for mental health), the better we can see the community become, both young men and young women,” said Smith.

“The word gets thrown around a lot these days, mental health is an excuse in some cases, but it is not a sympathy ‘poor me’ thing. (This) is more to raise awareness that you can put your hand up and get help.

“Just always know that whatever dark period you are going through that one day it will make sense. It’s a tough period, but wouldn’t change it for the world.

“It’s been pretty surreal to be where I am now – there’s so much work to be done. Smell the roses while you can but I’ve just got to keep going.”