The Geelong onballer is one of six ambassadors recently appointed to raise awareness of youth mental health issues for headspace — a national youth mental health foundation that supports those aged 12 to 25 in all areas of health and wellbeing.

Hogan has played 22 games with Geelong, including one match in the past premiership season, after being drafted in 2006.

Last November the 23-year-old shared his own experience in dealing with a major depressive illness, which included seeing five psychologists in three years.

In a 3AW radio interview, Hogan revealed that his parents were so concerned they had taken time off work to ensure he did not take his own life.

He said opening up had encouraged young people with depression to also seek professional help.

“The day after my story hit the media I heard from the Geelong club doctor that he had two young men come into his general practice with mental health issues,” he said.

“They both said they heard my story and it gave them the courage to seek help.

“This is exactly what I was hoping to achieve by telling my story.

“I want young people to realise they’re not alone and can overcome mental health problems by getting the right support.”

Joining Hogan as headspace ambassadors will be Neighbours star James Mason, “the First Bloke” Tim Mathieson, former Victorian hockey player Gus Johnston and AFL players Heath Black and Campbell Brown.

Headspace CEO Chris Tanti said the group was an important part of raising awareness in the community, and especially among young people.

“Headspace is all about promoting better mental health outcomes for young people around the country,” Mr Tanti said. “We know young men are notoriously reluctant to seek help when it comes to mental health issues, so these new male ambassadors will play a significant role engaging with and educating young men on the often taboo topic of mental health.

“Each ambassador brings something different to the role, whether it’s a personal experience, such as Simon Hogan, general interest in the area, like Tim Mathieson, or even professional expertise, like Nick Duigan, who is a qualified psychologist and works at our headspace centre in southern Melbourne.”

For more information visit www.headspace.org.au

For help or information about depression and other mental health issues visit beyondblue.org.au or call Lifeline on 131 114.