Category Archives: mental health

Troubled footy star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan to part ways with Western Bulldogs

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Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is set to try and make an AFL comeback, but it won’t be with the Western Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs were expected to make a call on Ugle-Hagan’s future early this week as the out-of-favour forward prepared for his exit interview. However, it now appears the Bulldogs star has made the decision for them.

The former No. 1 draft pick had previously been linked to the Sydney Swans, but their interest has reportedly cooled. The Dogs could seek a negotiated settlement on the remainder of his deal, which runs until the end of 2026, if no club picks Ugle-Hagan up before the end of the trade period.

This decision comes at the end of a difficult season in which Ugle-Hagan did not play a single game at any level, leaving both his career and the club in limbo. Despite remaining under contract until the end of 2026 on a deal worth upwards of $800,000 a year, it is widely believed he will not be at Whitten Oval next season.

The Bulldogs are currently weighing up whether to explore a trade, pursue a negotiated settlement, or find another way to cut their losses.

The 21-year-old’s turbulent year reached a low point in August when he was caught up in a nightclub shooting in Prahran. There is no suggestion that he was involved in the incident, but he was present at the Love Machine nightclub when it happened.

Ugle-Hagan later revealed he was standing just a metre from where a bullet struck, describing himself as “lucky to be alive.” This frightening episode highlighted off-field issues that have increasingly dominated discussions about his career, raising further concern about his wellbeing and lifestyle choices.

This incident followed months of absence from football. Ugle-Hagan began the year on a flexible training program following personal tragedy and officially took a leave of absence in April to focus on his mental health.

He later admitted to experiencing suicidal thoughts and a deep loss of connection with the game. In June, he delivered an emotional video message to teammates apologising for his struggles and vowing to try again.

Although he returned briefly to training, he never pushed for selection and by season’s end had failed to feature in either the AFL or VFL sides.

For the Bulldogs, managing this situation has meant balancing support for a young man in crisis with the practical realities of a list spot and a heavy salary commitment. Coach Luke Beveridge has acknowledged the delicacy of the situation, recently stating that Ugle-Hagan needs a “fresh start.”

While Beveridge would not confirm whether that fresh start might still exist at the Bulldogs, his comments underline the growing belief that the club and player will part ways.

Trade speculation is already underway, with Sydney floated as a potential suitor. Any rival club would need to conduct extensive due diligence before considering a deal, cautious about taking on both the contract and the associated risks.

Ugle-Hagan’s management, however, insists he is capable of redemption. Prominent agent Paul Connors said last week he still believes in his client’s talent and commitment, pointing to Jesse Hogan’s successful revival at Greater Western Sydney as proof that players can rebuild careers after serious setbacks.

“He looks fit, he’s got an appetite for training, he trains hard,” Connors said. “I think he can still play, so it’s just if someone is going to give him an opportunity. You might have to go ten steps back to go twenty forward, but let’s see.”
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/afl/article-15124703/Troubled-footy-star-Jamarra-Ugle-Hagan-ways-Western-Bulldogs.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

3 exercises that can rewire the brain and improve cognitive function

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Research indicates that activities like dance, martial arts, and team sports significantly enhance cognitive function beyond traditional workouts. These complex movements stimulate the brain, improving memory, attention, and decision-making skills. Studies reveal measurable brain changes, including increased gray matter and improved executive functions, highlighting the potential for lifelong brain development through enriched physical activity.

What is increasingly becoming popular is the understanding that certain types of movement not only shape the body but also reshape the brain. Over the past few decades, researchers and practitioners have studied how activities such as dance, martial arts, and team sports influence cognitive performance, boost mood, and promote overall health.

### Beyond Traditional Workouts

While conventional workouts like jogging and lifting weights improve cardiovascular health and promote muscular fitness, they often lack the cognitive and social complexity that drives deeper brain engagement. Team sports, martial arts, and dance integrate learning with memory and enhanced decision-making. This combination of physical and mental challenge stimulates the brain in powerful ways, enhancing focus, mental flexibility, and even structural brain changes over time.

### Why Complexity Matters in Movement

Any activity that combines physical, cognitive, and emotional demands seems to activate the brain in ways that pure aerobic or resistance training does not. The exercises mentioned above—dance, martial arts, and team sports—often involve:

– Constant decision-making
– Timing and rhythm (pace)
– Interaction with other people
– Learning new techniques
– Unpredictable movements

This unique blend creates what some researchers call an “enriched environment” for the brain.

### What the Research Says

#### Dance: Movement with Cognitive Demand

Dance is fun, mood-lifting, and now recognized as brain-healthy—all in one. It is one of the most widely studied activities related to brain health. Both young and adult brains have shown improvements in memory, attention, and balance due to dance.

A systematic review published in *Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews* found that dance led to measurable brain changes in older adults. Participants showed increased gray matter in areas involved in motor coordination, memory, and spatial navigation. Remarkably, some changes occurred after just six months of training.

The study also found that a simple dance program can increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a molecule that supports cognitive flexibility and attention.

#### Martial Arts: Cognitive and Emotional Benefits

Martial arts like Judo, Karate, and Taekwondo blend physical exertion, discipline, and focus. Unlike repetitive workouts, martial arts require real-time adaptation, energy, and precision. They also cultivate emotional regulation through practices such as breath control and focused attention.

One recent study using functional near-infrared spectroscopy measured brain activation in children practicing martial arts. These children performed better on tasks involving working memory and inhibition compared to control groups.

#### Team Sports: The Power of Collective Intelligence

Recent studies show that participation in team sports during adolescence correlates with better performance on tasks involving attention, reaction time, and cognitive flexibility.

One research study assessed 880 children aged 5 to 11 years (53% female). Physical activity and sports participation were self or parent-reported, while executive function was assessed using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function. It was found that team sports requiring tactical thinking, coordination with teammates, and adaptive decision-making produced the strongest improvements in executive function.

Exercise boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key growth hormone in brain function, which supports learning, memory, and flexible thinking.

### How Do These Activities Enhance Brain Function?

– Repeated motor-cognitive activity strengthens white matter integrity and functional connectivity between brain regions.
– These activities improve spatial awareness, balance, and attention.
– Studies on dance and martial arts show increased cortical thickness, better balance, and improved attention control.

### Limitations

– **Duration and dose:** It is still unclear how long these cognitive benefits last after training stops.
– **Individual differences:** Different martial arts, dance styles, or team sports may yield varying effects depending on how they are taught or practiced.
– **Biomarker diversity:** Most research has focused on BDNF, but other neurochemicals and inflammatory markers may also play significant roles.

### Practical Implications

To maximize the brain benefits of movement, consider adding complexity to your physical activity. Educators and healthcare providers should promote these forms of movement not only for physical health but also as vital tools for lifelong brain development.

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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/3-exercises-that-can-rewire-the-brain-and-improve-cognitive-function/articleshow/124036749.cms

In a world of toxic masculinity, this is how I’m raising my sons to be good men

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Mental-health advocate Blake Johnston is known for holding the world record for the longest continuous surf, which he achieved in 2023 to raise awareness and money for charity. Here, the 43-year-old talks about how he and his wife Lauren are raising their two boys, and how his father’s battle with mental illness has informed his life.

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My maternal grandmother, Bessie, loved her cigarettes. She was sweet and very good to my grandfather, Ian. She adored him, and that was special to see. My mum, Sandy, was pretty close to her.

My dad, Wayne, was a builder who renovated houses, so we moved around a lot. When I was a baby, we lived with my grandparents for a while in Cronulla, Sydney, where I grew up. Nan was always cooking and provided a comforting home for us.

I’m a lot like Mum in that I’m sensitive and empathetic. She’s very loving and selfless. We didn’t have a lot when I was growing up, but Mum always made my four brothers and me feel so loved and special.

I was 31 when Dad committed suicide. He had a medical condition that severely affected his mental health. Mum’s gone through every emotion since — anger, loneliness, and isolation. Family is everything to her.

After Dad’s death, my older brother, Ben, and I drifted apart. Mum’s grief will never disappear, but she knows all five of her sons love her.

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I had a few relationships in school, but I wasn’t that interested for the first two decades of my life; I was dedicated to surfing. I first went on a surfboard with Dad when I was four.

When I was around 13, Layne Beachley, who later became a seven-time world champion, and I crossed paths at a Quiksilver training camp. The camp was physically demanding, but Layne was killing it. She was one of only two girls present but had this determination and focus that obviously paid off.

My first celebrity crush was Cameron Diaz. I remember seeing her in the 1998 movie *There’s Something About Mary*. Her smile lit up a room.

I went to the Year 10 formal with Chantelle, a girl I had a crush on. She never liked me back; rather, it was convenient for her.

My first serious relationship was at 17, when I met Laura at the beach. She was finishing high school and was so easy-going. I spoiled her with gifts and took her to Hawaii. She wanted to go to London after graduating, and our breakup was tough.

I was 19 when I met Ash. Her family was involved in the local surf scene. Ash had just finished Year 12, and we spent a year together. She wanted to focus on her career and again my heart was broken.

From that point on, I spent more time with my mates. I wasn’t looking for a relationship when Lauren, who’s now my wife, showed up.

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Lauren was finishing a marketing degree and preparing for a corporate career. She was petite, blonde, and full of positive energy — my dream girl. We got along so well and respected each other. I fell in love pretty quickly.

I constantly do things that show Lauren I love her. I buy flowers and make sure she knows how appreciated and awesome she is.

Lauren is an outstanding mum to our boys, Bobby, 13, and Duke, 10.

With social media and the rise of toxic masculinity, it’s a difficult time for boys and young men regarding how to treat women. It’s not a sit-down lesson; it’s how I consistently treat Lauren.

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In 2023, I set the world record for the longest continuous surf and raised $500,000 for mental health charities. Being in the water for 40 hours, I felt both elated and frustrated. But there were dark times, too, as I reflected on my whole life — what happened with my dad, and not making it as a pro surfer.

Lauren was with me the whole way. She continued to run our surf school and hardly slept. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but upon exiting the water, my beautiful wife was the first person I saw. To see her there was so powerful.

Without Lauren, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

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*Swellbeing* (Hachette Australia) by Blake Johnston is out September 30.
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/in-a-world-of-toxic-masculinity-this-is-how-i-m-raising-my-sons-to-be-good-men-20250901-p5mre4.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed