4TG

#34 Mental Health and Injury in Elite Sport – Janelle Cuthbertson on Asking for Help

• Kylie Lynch • Season 2 • Episode 34

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 Janelle Cuthbertson is a former AFLW player and elite tennis athlete who has lived the part of sport most people never see – the lonely rehab sessions, the identity crash after injury, and the mental health battles that can follow. Across her career, she has faced three ACL injuries plus several long-term (and often freak) injuries, and she has recently announced her retirement after the last one.

In this episode of 4TG (For The Girls), Janelle opens up about what happened after her most recent ACL when she realised she was not coping, and made the brave call to admit herself into a mental health facility for three weeks to get proper support. She shares the fear and stigma she had to push through, and the practical tools she still uses now to stay steady day to day.

In this episode, we cover:

  • The mental toll of ACL rehab and isolation
  • Identity loss and the retirement transition
  • Why Janelle admitted herself to a mental health facility
  • Tools that helped – journaling, short-term goals, regulating mornings
  • Leadership, vulnerability, and psychological safety in teams
  • Women’s sport pressures behind the scenes

Follow Janelle

Instagram: @janelle_cuthbo

Support (Australia)

  • Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7)
  • Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
  • Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
  • 13YARN (First Nations): 13 92 76
  • Kids Helpline (5–25): 1800 55 1800
  • Emergency: Call 000 if you or someone else is in immediate danger

Support the show

ABOUT THE HOST

Kylie Lynch is the Founder and Host of 4TG (For The Girls), a podcast and platform on a mission to keep more girls and women in sport.

A VFLW athlete, Australian representative in Polocrosse, coach, mentor and media/communications professional, Kylie has spent her career at the intersection of sport, media and community impact. Through 4TG, she shares the stories, lessons and experiences of elite athletes, coaches and industry leaders to help girls and women build confidence, navigate challenges and stay involved in sport for longer. Because sport doesn't just build athletes. It builds confidence, resilience, leadership, connection and opportunities that positively impact girls and women both on and off the field.

Connect with Kylie:

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