AFL coach Chris Fagan reveals he discovered he had a scary health problem just after one of the happiest days of his life
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Premiership-winning coach Chris Fagan has revealed he suffered frequent panic attacks months after steering Brisbane to glory at the MCG last September.
Fagan, 64, created a slice of history after becoming the oldest coach to win a flag following the Lions' 60-point triumph over the Sydney Swans.
It also atoned for losing to Collingwood in the grand final 12 months earlier.
'After we won, I was incredibly happy... it will be one of the highlights of my life,' Fagan told Channel Seven.
'But for three or four months afterwards, not every day was good.
'So, again, I had good people around me. I spoke to our sports psychologist.
Premiership-winning coach Chris Fagan has revealed he suffered frequent panic attacks months after steering Brisbane to glory at the MCG last September
Fagan eventually spoke to the Lions' sports psychologist, who helped get him back on track
Fagan's men were outclassed by Geelong in the second qualifying final (pictured) and must beat Gold Coast this weekend to keep their season alive
'It was just everything mounted up, I think. And I was just physically, mentally exhausted.
'You know, again, we talk about mental health, but there's been the odd occasion in my life where panic attacks have come along... and they came along again after that grand final.
'Not every day; some days were good, but some days I'd wake up and think, 'How am I going to be today?'
Fagan's full interview on Unfiltered will air on Channel Seven at 9.30pm on Wednesday.
His brave revelation comes as Brisbane's premiership defence is on the line this weekend when they tackle Gold Coast at the Gabba.
Fagan's men were outclassed by Geelong in the Second Qualifying Final on September 5 at the MCG.
According to Beyond Blue, approximately 40 per cent of Australians have a panic attack once or twice in their lives.
Panic disorder can develop at any age, but it is rare in older people and children.
Symptoms include extreme anxiety and physical sensations of fear, notably increased heart rate, shortness of breath, trembling and muscle tension.
People suffering from panic attacks are advised to focus on deep, slow breathing.
Daily Mail
