A Journey of Healing and Strength
Shannon Mato, a prominent figure in the world of rugby league, has shared a deeply personal account of her mental health struggles during a pivotal moment in her life—when she discovered she was pregnant with her son, Charnze. Her story is one of raw honesty, emotional turmoil, and eventual healing.
Mato, who has played 31 NRLW games as a prop forward for the Gold Coast Titans, admitted that the news of her pregnancy was met with a mix of emotions. Instead of celebrating, she found herself in a state of denial, choosing to continue playing rather than confronting her feelings. She described this period as one of deep depression, where she engaged in behaviors that were out of character for her.
“I was really depressed and doing things I shouldn’t have been doing,” she said. “I said to myself, ‘I’m going to play these last two games because I’m not sure that I want this baby.’”
Her decision to play two matches came shortly after learning of her pregnancy. During this time, she represented the Maori All Stars and the Jillaroos, even scoring a try against England in Las Vegas, which was part of the NRL’s season opener.
The experience in Las Vegas was a turning point for Mato. “That’s when it hit me. I was really depressed and doing things I shouldn’t have been doing,” she reflected. “And that’s the honest truth.”
She admitted to feeling selfish at the time, struggling to cope with the emotional weight of her situation. “I had no guidance,” she added. “I feel like I had no one else to blame but myself.”
Mato’s relationship with her partner, Ropati, was also strained during this period. While he expressed support, she found it hard to believe him due to his own mental health challenges. “I felt like we couldn’t depend on anyone, like I had no support,” she said.
Despite the difficulties, Mato and Ropati eventually worked through their issues, and Charnze was born on October 6 last year. For Mato, this marked a heartwarming turning point in her life. “It was the big answer I needed,” she said. “I let myself down in areas where I would drink and make choices that didn’t align with my values.”
She described herself as an unhealed person before her son’s birth, but now feels completely transformed. “My son really healed me in areas that I didn’t think I was able to be healed in,” she said. “I’m proud of the person I am today and I’m here for my kids, that’s what matters.”
Mato’s journey has been one of growth and resilience. She no longer feels embarrassed about her past decisions, recognizing that everything happens for a reason. “I’m not embarrassed of my life choices, I think everything happens for a reason and no one is perfect,” she said.
Her mental and physical recovery has been so significant that she was reportedly on the verge of being selected for Queensland in the upcoming State of Origin series. “It’s all working out the way it’s supposed to and if not, I’m just grateful for my opportunities,” she said.
Mato’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the strength it takes to overcome personal struggles. Her journey from despair to hope is a testament to the human spirit and the power of love and support.
