- no waynton Lienert-Brown played 79 Tests for New Zealand.
- The 29-year-old is one of the best rugby players in the world.
All Blacks star Anton Lienert-Brown has revealed his battle with anxiety was so severe that he often believed he was having a heart attack – despite being one of the fittest men on the planet.
His ongoing health battle began with appearances at the 2019 and 2023 World Cups establishing him as one of the best rugby players in the world.
Lienert-Brown’s anxiety led to daily panic attacks and depression.
‘It made life difficult every day,’ the 79-Test All Black told Stuff.
‘Over the years my anxiety worsened to the point where I would have panic attacks every day and it became really difficult.
‘I just kept spiraling to the point where I had a panic attack…’ It felt like I was having a heart attack, but I wasn’t.’
Inside the center, Lienert-Brown now sees a psychiatrist who has prescribed anti-anxiety medication, which she continues to take.
He bravely broke his silence to help others struggling with their own mental health.
All Blacks star Anton Lienert-Brown (pictured, against the Wallabies last month) has revealed his battle with anxiety was so severe that he often thought he was going to have a heart attack.
Lienert Brown (pictured with partner Liv Robertson) bravely broke her silence to help others struggling with their own mental health.
The inside center made their Test debut in 2016 and are scheduled to play Test number 80 against Japan on October 26.
‘It took me a long time to get help. “I should have received it sooner,” he said.
‘I’m like a lot of other (Kiwi) guys. You have difficulty talking about your feelings.
‘I’ve been fighting for years. Until, perhaps, you’re hanging by a thread.’
Lienert-Brown has used ice baths, saunas and meditation to keep her anxiety at bay and is now a proud ambassador for New Zealand Rugby’s mental health initiative, Mind Set Engage.
He added that it was incredibly beneficial to hear others talk honestly about their struggles and the coping tools they used.
The 29-year-old will serve as New Zealand’s vice-captain when they face Eddie Jones’ Japan in Yokohama on October 26.
Japan have never beaten the All Blacks in a Test. But the Brave Blossoms received plenty of praise following New Zealand’s 38-31 win in Tokyo two years ago.
