Second Innings: On men, mental health and cricket

(Paperback)

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A reflection on Barry Nicholls' life, Second Innings, explores the author's struggle with mental health and the road to recovery, using his love of the game of cricket to make sense of it all. Set partly in the present, Second Innings includes flashbacks through five decades of life and focuses particularly on the lives of the men across the generations of Barry Nicholls' own family, and tells the story of Barry's journey from teacher to print journalist to broadcaster. Second Innings shows what can happen when long-term unresolved anxiety takes hold and it demonstrates the value of finding compassionate and understanding medical professionals who provide a path toward the light when all seems lost. As Greg Chappell helps teach this writer, in life there is always a second innings.

Reviews

'Cricket forms the bedrock of Barry's life journey, weaving through this evocative memoir. A powerful and engrossing witnessing, of personal and family mental health experiences. Thank you, Barry, for writing so candidly about taboo themes; with meaning, connection, understanding and love. And for continuing another innings.' --Dr. Mark R. Cross, Consultant Psychiatrist Author of Anxiety: Expert advice from a neurotic shrink who's lived with it all his life
'Mental ill-health casts a shadow over almost every Australian family. We have that in common but every story in unique. Barry Nicholls weaves his life story in and out of cricketing history and reveals his own struggles and those of his family, in particular his brother Steve. The title contains the vital message of hope - and I would add that life is not merely a single match. There is always next week and even next season. And it is always possible to find a good coach and learn some new skills.' --Patrick McGorry AO, Professor of Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne

Author Bio

A former A-grade district cricketer and schoolteacher, Barry Nicholls has written about cricket for decades and is a broadcaster with the ABC where he has worked since 2003. After 25 years of playing cricket he now enjoys spending his weekends watching his children embrace the challenges and pleasures of participating in sport. Barry lives in Perth with his partner, Ann, and their four children, and has learned a bit about second chances in life.