Mental Health Resources
Hockey Saskatchewan is providing the following resources on mental health that are readily available to players, coaches, officials, volunteers and fans across the province. Many factors affect a person's mental wellness and it is important to understand that everyone deals with the challenges of everyday life in their own way. Breaking down the stigma around mental health is important and normalizing the need for help is key to a healthy community where everyone feels safe and able to share their own thoughts and situations.
Why Is Mental Health Important?
"Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood." - Mentalhealth.gov
When an athlete is physically injured, they are typically treated by a team of health care professionals to ensure fast and healthy recovery. When an athlete suffers from a mental health problem however, they are likely to suffer in silence and isolation. While the awareness of mental health is making traction in the sporting community, the issues facing today's society around mental wellness is still predominant due to the emphasis on appearing physically fit when in reality a person is suffering mentally.
Its time to change our attitudes surrounding mental health in the realm of sports and athletics. Why? Because seeking help is a sign of strength, courage and resilience.