(Pic courtesy: Instagram)
Carlton’s Elijah Hollands has been hospitalised, four days after what his club described as ‘a mental health episode’ in a game against Collingwood. Following the club’s announcement on Monday, 20 April, the Australian football player’s dad, Ben Hollands, penned a heartfelt message.The dad poured his heart out for his ‘beautiful boy’ in an Instagram note. “I know who my son is and I will lift him up until he is restored in full,” he wrote.Addressing the challenging time, the dad wrote, “This is my beautiful boy. For anyone in the midst of healing… You are loved. You have a unique and defined purpose. You are seen whole.”Ben Hollands also gave some insight into the challenges the Carlton midfielder is facing.
“For those supporting someone who is struggling: encourage them, affirm them, and love them. Remind them of who they truly are,” he concluded.Check out the note here.
Elijah Hollands was admitted to the hospital after displaying concerning behaviour during a match on 16 April.On Monday, 20 April, the club confirmed that the 23-year-old player has been admitted to the hospital. “The Carlton Football Club can confirm that Elijah Hollands has been admitted to the hospital this evening,” the club said.
However, they kept the details of his condition confidential. “While the club acknowledges the public’s interest, it again asks that the privacy of Elijah and his family be respected. This request for privacy extends to the media to please not report or speculate on Hollands’ location and private health information,” the club added.The Carlton player had been ruled out of travelling with the team to Perth days before the match because of a ‘mental health episode’, according to ESPN.
Graham Wright, the club’s CEO, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that the team was ‘aware that he was struggling in the game’ against Collingwood. The report further mentions that Hollands was ‘eager to play’, despite the mental health episode.“Our guys were dealing with him in the game and obviously knew that he was having some problems,” Wright said.He added, “Our primary focus remains on caring for Elijah, making sure he continues to receive the medical and wellbeing support he needs. Elijah’s mental challenges have been well documented. Our staff has been working alongside Elijah on this journey over a long period of time now, both on and off the field, providing every resource possible to ensure his welfare is paramount.”
