**Ivan Cleary’s Candid Admission About His Wife as He Opens Up About Mental Health**
Ivan Cleary, one of the NRL’s most respected and accomplished coaches, has long been known for his tactical brilliance, particularly with the Penrith Panthers. Over the years, Cleary has built a reputation for being calm under pressure, a master strategist, and a key architect of the Panthers’ dominance in the NRL. However, in a rare and candid interview, Cleary recently opened up about a more personal side of his life—his mental health—and the critical role his wife has played in supporting him through some of his toughest times.
While Cleary’s success on the field is well-documented, his decision to speak openly about his mental health struggles marks a significant departure from the traditional image of a coach as someone who always has it together. His honesty resonates in an era when mental health is finally being given the attention it deserves in the world of professional sports. In his heartfelt admission, Cleary revealed how his wife has been his rock, particularly during times of stress, doubt, and the immense pressures of coaching at the highest level.
### **The Weight of Coaching: More Than Just X’s and O’s**
Coaching in the NRL is no easy feat. It involves managing not only the physical and tactical elements of the game but also the mental fortitude of players, staff, and the wider club environment. As head coach of the Penrith Panthers, Cleary’s role extends far beyond just making decisions about game strategy and team selections. He is responsible for leading a group of individuals toward a shared goal, managing personalities, dealing with public scrutiny, and navigating the high expectations that come with coaching one of the NRL’s most successful teams.
For Cleary, the constant pressure to win, to perform, and to manage the complex dynamics of a professional sporting team took a toll on his mental well-being. In an industry where vulnerability is often seen as a weakness, particularly for male coaches, Cleary’s decision to open up about his mental health struggles was both brave and enlightening.
“I’ve been through some really challenging times,” Cleary admitted. “When you’re in this job, it’s easy to just focus on the task at hand, but sometimes you lose sight of how much it’s actually affecting you personally. The stress, the constant pressure, it gets to you. It wasn’t until my wife really pointed it out that I realized how much I was struggling with it.”
### **The Role of His Wife in His Mental Health Journey**
Throughout the interview, Cleary was quick to acknowledge that his wife, Rebecca, had been a constant support throughout his mental health struggles. Rebecca, who has kept a relatively low profile despite her husband’s high public profile, has been there for Cleary not just as a spouse but as a critical sounding board during times when the coach was at his lowest.
“I’ve always been a bit of a closed book when it comes to sharing my emotions. I like to keep things inside, keep my focus on the next game or the next challenge. But Rebecca could see right through it,” Cleary said, his voice reflecting both gratitude and humility. “She’s the one who’s always there, reminding me to look after myself, to take a step back when things get too much. She’s been my pillar.”
Cleary revealed that his wife’s influence was crucial in helping him recognize the signs of burnout and mental fatigue. She often reminded him that while the team’s success was important, his well-being was just as crucial. “She was the one who told me, ‘You need to take care of yourself before you can take care of anyone else.’ At first, I didn’t listen. But as time went on, I realized how true that was.”
Rebecca’s support was not just limited to verbal encouragement; she actively helped Cleary create boundaries between work and personal life. She encouraged him to spend more time with their children and to engage in hobbies or activities that brought him joy outside of coaching. For Cleary, this was a game-changer. As he became more conscious of his mental health, he started integrating these moments of respite into his life, and it made a profound difference.
### **Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health in Professional Sports**
One of the most powerful aspects of Cleary’s admission is his role in challenging the stigma surrounding mental health in professional sports. Historically, athletes and coaches have been reluctant to speak out about mental health struggles, fearing that it might be perceived as a weakness or a distraction. However, Cleary’s openness reflects a broader shift in the sports world, where mental health is increasingly being seen as integral to overall performance.
“I think there’s a real shift happening, and it’s a good thing,” Cleary said. “For so long, the narrative was that you had to be mentally tough, always focused, always ready. But that’s not realistic. We’re all human, and we all have moments of doubt or pressure. It’s important to acknowledge that, to give ourselves permission to be vulnerable and talk about it.”
Cleary’s willingness to be vulnerable and share his experiences serves as an important example for others in the high-stakes world of coaching. It provides a valuable reminder that even those who appear to have everything under control—like successful coaches—are still susceptible to the same mental health challenges as anyone else. This transparency helps to foster an environment where athletes, coaches, and staff feel more comfortable seeking help when they need it, ultimately improving both their mental and physical health.
“I don’t think we can keep pretending that everything is fine all the time,” Cleary explained. “Talking about mental health should be as normal as talking about a player’s injury or fitness. We need to remove the stigma. It’s okay not to be okay sometimes.”
### **The Balance Between Career and Family**
As a high-level coach, Cleary is no stranger to the demands of his career. Long hours, intense pressure, and the constant balancing act between work and personal life can take a significant toll. However, his relationship with Rebecca has allowed him to recalibrate and find a healthier balance between career and family life.
“The balance is something I’ve really had to work on,” Cleary said. “The job is demanding, but I’ve learned that I need to make time for my family, for the things that matter outside of football. Rebecca has been instrumental in helping me find that balance. She’s always been the one reminding me that work doesn’t define me. Family does.”
For Cleary, the realization that family life and mental well-being should come before his career success has been transformative. It’s also helped him be a better coach. By taking care of his mental health and nurturing his personal relationships, Cleary believes he can bring his best self to the team and ensure that his players receive the support and guidance they need to succeed.
### **Looking Ahead: A Healthier, More Balanced Approach**
Cleary’s decision to open up about his mental health journey marks a turning point not only for him personally but also for the wider sporting community. It encourages other coaches, players, and individuals to seek help when needed and to prioritize their mental well-being. The support of his wife has been integral to his journey, and Cleary’s acknowledgment of this highlights the importance of strong personal relationships in navigating the challenges of professional sports.
“As a coach, I’ll always strive to be the best I can for my team, but I’ve learned that I need to be the best version of myself first,” Cleary said, a sense of peace in his voice. “Rebecca has been with me every step of the way. She’s my greatest supporter, and I couldn’t do it without her.”
Cleary’s honesty about mental health not only humanizes him but also paves the way for a more compassionate and open approach to mental health in professional sports. With his wife’s unwavering support, Cleary is navigating the pressures of coaching while prioritizing his mental health and the well-being of his family. For him, this balance is the ultimate key to both personal happiness and professional success.
