FORMER Essendon footballer Will Hams has often joked about his terrible ability to grow facial hair.

But the issue of mental health is no laughing matter for the 26 year-old.

Hams, who played 13 senior games for the Bombers, lost his father to suicide in 2013.

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Now a graduate commercial builder, Hams is breaking his silence on the issue in a bid to help other families this Movember.

“Dad had always looked after everyone else, but maybe didn’t look after himself as well,” Hams said.

“There were so many things Dad had to look forward to, but couldn’t see it.”

media_camera Will Hams tackled by Melbourne’s Daniel Cross in the 2015 AFL NAB Challenge. Picture: Michael Klein

media_camera Former Bomber Will Hams with his mother, Karen, and dog Abby. Picture: Tony Gough

Hams, who was picked up by the Bombers in the 2013 pre-season draft after playing for Gippsland Power, was known for his courage on the field.

He played two games in that first season but struggled with injury, and managed eight games for the Bombers in 2016.

Hams spent this season at the Box Hill Hawks in the VFL. He never spoke publicly about his personal tragedy while playing for Essendon, but felt the time had now come.

“It’s something that my family and I are still struggling with, but in many respects it has made us look at our own mental health,” Hams said.

“At the time I didn’t speak about it because we were dealing with a lot and I was still trying to figure out how I was coping, without having to also be prevalent in the media.

“I think I just wanted things to go back to normal again and not have it hanging over my head.

“I’m in a much better position now, and having spoken to family and friends about it, I have made some in roads in how to talk about it.”

media_camera Will Hams shoots off a handpass against St Kilda during a 2016 match. Pic: Michael Klein media_camera Will Hams has played for the Box Hill Hawks in 2017 in the VFL. Picture: Josie Hayden

While Hams said that Movember can be a lot of fun for men who have always wanted to grow some top lip topiary and Tom Selleck-inspired power moustaches, there is an important message to remember this month.

“You only need to look at the statistics, suicide is the leading cause of death for men aged 15-44 with six men taking their own life on average every day in Australia,” he said.

“The one message I want people to know this Movember is that there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. And when you are struggling, you can always change things,” he said.

“But I do think the next generation is changing the stereotypes of the past and removing the stigma when it comes to talking about our mental health issues,” he said.

“I know that I will always have to look after my mental health. I know I need to be active, eat healthy, keep a routine and talk to my mates.”

“We lost my dad but we’ve got through it; you find a way and keep punching. And hopefully by speaking out, we can help other families not have to go through the same thing.”

To donate to Movember, the only global charity raising funds for men’s health, investing in critical areas of prostate and testicular cancer, mental health and suicide, visit movember.com

If you are having personal issues, call Lifeline 131 114