Mental Health and Wellbeing
At British Wrestling we believe it is important to keep conversations about mental health and wellbeing going. It’s well-known that sport and exercise has a positive effect on mental health. We also recognise that sport can be both part of a solution, but also part of the problem – for example, the additional stresses faced by competitive athletes seeking selection for GBR.
One in four people will experience issues with their mental health every year, and this number is growing. We want to help our wrestlers, coaches, clubs and communities to support people experiencing issues.
The most important step is to create an environment where conversations can start, and know that there are plenty of places to signpost people to if you feel you can’t provide the support necessary.
You can start by just asking people if they are OK. It’s a good idea to ask them twice.
We all need to remember that;
- If we all support each other, this illness doesn’t win.
- We can remove the stigma associated with mental health illness, it is nothing to be embarrassed about.
- All suicides are preventable.
Support
If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s Mental Health, the most important thing is to speak to someone you trust. If there is an immediate risk to you or anybody else, you should contact the emergency services on 999.
Below are some alternative places where you can find support and someone to talk to:
Sporting Wellness – https://www.sportingwellness.org/
Sporting Wellness is a registered charity, that provides free, professional, mental health support for all representative sports people aged 16 or over, based in the United Kingdom.
Email: hello@sportingwellness.org
Call: 0333 335 5994
Mind – https://www.mind.org.uk/
Infoline: 0300 123 3393 – an information and signposting service. Open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays).
Email: info@mind.org.uk, Text: 86463
Samaritans – https://www.samaritans.org
24/7 free helpline with people that you can talk to
Call: 116 123, Email: jo@samaritans.org
Shout UK – https://www.giveusashout.org
Shout is the UK’s first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help.
TEXT ‘SHOUT’ TO 85258
Papyrus – https://papyrus-uk.org/
Confidential support and advice service for children and young people (under 35) who are experiencing thoughts of suicide or anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide
Call: 0800 061 41 41, Mobile 07860 039967, Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Changing Minds – https://changingmindsuk.com/
Comprehensive psychological services, working with relationships and strengths to improve wellbeing and performance.
Call 01925 483069, Email: enquiries@changingmindsuk.com
LGBT Foundation for advice, support and information between 9am and 9pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday (excluding bank holidays and religious festivals) on 0345 330 3030
Mind Out – https://mindout.org.uk/get-support/ an LGBTQ mental health service.
If you are struggling with Gender Identity you can find links to organisations offering urgent help here: https://gic.nhs.uk/need-urgent-help/ and you can also visit the NHS website – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gender-dysphoria/ for information regarding gender dysphoria.
Trans Unite – https://www.transunite.co.uk/ – to find Trans support groups near you.
