What you need to know about mental health & wellbeing
It is estimated that one in four people will experience a mental health illness each year in the UK. For these people, the pressures and strains of life and work can act as a catalyst to mental health problems, with the most common being depression and anxiety. #itsoknottobeok
The links between good physical health and mental health are well recognised. Physical activity such as playing rugby can be very beneficial for mental health and wellbeing as well as bringing physical benefits.
COVID 19
Lots of us have felt worried about the coronavirus pandemic, and everyone will feel differently about the changes to lockdown restrictions.
Checking in on your team/clubmates, family, friends or colleagues during the coronavirus pandemic is more important than ever.
TOP THREE TIPS
If someone’s feeling anxious or worried, you don’t need to be an expert on mental health to support them. Think about using these top three tips:
1) Check in
Picking up the phone, send a quick text (WA), having a video call, starting a group chat or messaging someone on social media lets them know you are there to talk and ready to listen.
2) Listen and reflect
Whether you have a mental health problem or not, this will be a challenging time for all of our mental health and wellbeing. If someone opens up to you, remember that you don’t need to fix things or offer advice. Often just listening, and showing you take them seriously, can help someone to manage.
3) Ask questions
Ask how people are managing, and ask again if you’re worried they aren’t sharing the full picture. Asking again, with interest, it can help someone to open up and explore what they’re feeling.
If you are in need of mental health advice and information below you will find a multitude of organisations that can help you based upon your needs.
Mind – For Better Mental Health
When someone is experiencing a mental health problem, supportive and reliable information can change his or her life. Mind, one of the leading mental health charities in England and Wales, provides information and guidance for anyone involved in rugby who may be dealing with mental health problems and those supporting them.
Mind’s Infoline offers callers confidential help and information:
Tel: 0300 123 3393
Email: info@mind.org.uk
Mind’s Information and Support section provides information on the services and resources they offer
Mind offer Urgent Help Advice for anyone needing it.
Mind provide support for coaches and physical activity providers including a Sport and physical activity toolkit
There is a network of around 130 local Minds across England and Wales that offer specialised support and care based on the needs of the communities they support.
Other sources of information and support
Young Minds is a charity specifically focused on promoting positive mental health in children and young people. They offers good resources, especially for families who are concerned about their children.
Student Minds is a charity that works with students and members of the university community to develop the knowledge, confidence and skills to look after their own mental health, support others and create change.
https://www.studentminds.org.uk/
EVERYBODY STRUGGLES, ITS OKAY TO ASK FOR HELP
The Lift the Weight campaign supports professional players who can experience a unique set of pressure, having to deal with the intense demands of performing in an elite environment week in, week out.
Childline is especially for children. A free, private and confidential service where children can talk about anything, whatever their worry, whenever it is needed.
Call us free on 0800 1111 or find out how to get in touch online.
Whatever your worry, we’re here for you.
The Samaritans are available for anyone who needs them. They provide a confidential, non-judgemental and safe environment for people to talk about concerns and issues thy are having.
We’re are waiting for your call
CALL 116 123 FREE
Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We’re here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
Email: jo@samaritans.org
There are nine million lonely people in the UK and four million of them are older people. Many older people find constant loneliness hardest to overcome. They lack the friendship and support we all need. Recent surveys show that over one third of people in the UK and Ireland are worried about feeling lonely in future lockdowns. It’s now more important than ever to take the time to check-in with those around you.
It might sound like nothing, but those small moments of connection matter, and can make a big difference to someone who may be feeling lonely.
For more information see https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/
The NHS provide general information on Mental Health and services that are available. Please visit the NHS Mental Health Services for more information.
