Ryan has become a beyondblue Ambassador to speak about his personal experience of depression and to let people know that depression is an illness - not a weakness.
"Depression and anxiety don't discriminate - they can affect anyone at any time, including cricket players."
"I encourage all cricketers to turn blue on February 19 and help break down the stigma. It's vital that the sporting community comes together to create awareness of depression and anxiety, and encourage each other to seek help early," he said.
beyondblue CEO Dawn O'Neil is excited to see sporting organisations taking a leading role in promoting awareness of depression, anxiety and related disorders.
"Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. The sooner you get the right treatment, the sooner you're back in the game," said Dawn.
SACA Cricket Operations Manager, Shane Bernhardt, is proud of the support shown by the cricketing community in South Australia over the past two years and looks forward to cricketers from across Australia getting involved in the 2011 campaign.
"If we can get players talking about their mental health and looking out for one another, then that will have a flow-on effect to the rest of the sporting community," said Shane.
More than three million Australians currently have an anxiety disorder or depression - but with the right treatment, most people recover.