Wellbeing

The issue of mental health is something that is becoming increasingly important within sport, including rugby, with England Rugby recognising this as a vital part of player welfare (https://keepyourbootson.co.uk/rugbysafe/mental-health-and-wellbeing/). Wymondham has recently signed up to be a pledged club of the ‘Give A Ruck’ campaign, organised by Holt RFC. They have lots of information on their website (https://www.givearuck.com/) and their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/givearuck/) and we hope to work with them in the coming season to deliver some workshops around mental health.

Recently, lots of professional rugby players have been talking about their struggles with mental health difficulties, showing that anyone can be affected by these issues. If you want to see more about the issues they have spoken about, see this website which features 8 top rugby players speaking about suffering with depression: https://www.ruck.co.uk/8-rugby-players-speaking-about-depression/2/

Things might feel particularly hard at the moment due to the uncertainty and anxiety we are all likely to be feeling related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have put together some resources that might be helpful. Please take a look and see if anything is useful for you. If there is anything else you would like to see then please get in touch.

If these resources don’t feel like quite enough for you and you feel that you might need some more support, we have also included a list of services and charities that you can contact.

We also have a role to play in recognising when our friends and teammates may be struggling. If you notice a friend speaking negatively about themselves, seeming tired or sluggish or not turning up to training, ask them if they are okay. Being kind to each other and opening up these conversations is a really important place to start, and might be what someone else needs to begin to seek help. Listen to them and if needed, direct them to the resources and support networks listed on this page.

FACE COVID: How to respond effectively to the Corona crisis (By Dr Russ Harris, author of The Happiness Trap)

This is a set of practical steps for responding effectively to the Corona crisis, using the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

F = Focus on what’s in your control

A = Acknowledge your thoughts and feelings

C = Come back into your body

E = Engage in what you’re doing

C = Committed action

O = Opening up

V = Values

I = Identify resources

D = Disinfect and distance

There is more information about each of these in more detail in the attached PDF.

- Video to link to??

10 Top Tips to look after your mental wellbeing from the Mental Health Foundation

Eat a balanced diet and drink sensibly: Improving your diet can protect against feelings of anxiety and depression

Maintain friendships: Just listening and talking to friends who are feeling down can make a huge difference. So make sure you devote time to maintaining your friendships both for their sake and your own

Maintain close relationships: Close relationships affect how we feel – so nurture them and if there is a problem within a relationship, try and resolve it

Take exercise: The effects of exercise on mood are immediate. Whether it is a workout in the gym or a simple walk or bike ride, it can be uplifting. Exercise can also be great fun socially

Sleep: Sleep has both physical and mental benefits. Physically it is the time when the body can renew its energy store but sleep also helps us to rebuild our mental energy

Laugh: A good laugh does wonders for the mind and soul

Cry: It is good to cry. Even though it may feel terrible at the time, a good cry can release pent up feelings, and people often feel better afterwards

Ask for help when you need it: The longer you leave a problem, the worse it will get. Don’t be scared to ask for help from a family member, friend or professional

Make time for you: Do you sometimes feel like you have no time for yourself? Make time for your hobbies and interests

Remember, work isn’t everything: Ninety-one million working days a year are lost of mental ill-health in the UK so take it easy

Give A Ruck:

https://www.givearuck.com/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/givearuck/

If you need help or support:

Wellbeing

- https://www.wellbeingnands.co.uk/

- Covers Norfolk and Waveney/Suffolk

- Online self-referral form or call 0300 123 1503

- Also a range of webinars for support during the COVID-19 pandemic

Mind

- 0300 123 3393 - ‘Infoline’ which can provide confidential help and information

- www.mind.org.uk – Offers information and support

Childline

- Variety of ways to contact, including email, online or phone

- https://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/contacting-childline/

- 0800 1111

Leeway – Domestic Violence and Abuse Services

- For free confidential advice call 0808 503 3474

- Or email adviceandsupport@leewaynwa.org.uk

- https://www.leewaysupport.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgvf6y9rv6QIVwu7tCh221wV0EAAYASAAEgLqFPD_BwE

Nelson’s Journey – Child Bereavement Support

- Referral forms for young people or families can be found here: https://www.nelsonsjourney.org.uk/contact-us/

Cruse – Bereavement Care

- 1:1 support, telephone enquiry line, groups and training for adults following a bereavement

- https://www.cruse.org.uk/get-help/local-services/eastern-england/norwich-and-central-norfolk/contact-us

Samaritans

- 116 123 – a safe place to talk, 24 hours a day

- jo@samaritans.org – if writing down your thoughts and feelings feels easier then you can send an email and will receive a response within 24 hours

- Self-help app – to help track your mood and lots of practical supports and steps https://selfhelp.samaritans.org/accounts/login/