Every curler should have a game plan — and it doesn’t just apply to what happens on a sheet of curling ice.
Typically, the plan revolves around strategies — what to do, say, when you’re one up coming home without last rock. That sort of thing.
But there should be strategies for all facets of a curler’s life. Nutrition. Off-ice training. Proper sleep.
And, yes, coping with the challenges of real-life situations away from curling (or sometimes even within a curling team) — and never being afraid to simply ask someone for help.
Wednesday, Jan. 30, provides a reminder of the importance of mental health as it’s Bell’s annual Let’s Talk Day — a day devoted to reminding everyone that it’s OK to ask for help; no problem is too small when it comes to mental health.
“Even without having a mental health problem that requires diagnosis, such as depression or anxiety, you can still get help,” notes registered Psychologist (Provisional) and Mental Performance Consultant Lisa Hoffart, who also serves as an advisor to the Game Plan program, which supports national team athletes to “live better and more holistic lives.”
“If you’re not feeling as well as you typically,” continues Hoffart in an article released by the Canadian Olympic Committee, “do talk to someone. Many athletes feel overwhelmed by things to do, but unable to act. They freeze in front of the multitude of tasks to be accomplished and are unable to take action to remedy the situation … addressing the problem as soon as possible will ensure that, with help, you can correct the situation before the problem becomes more serious.”
If you’re a curling athlete struggling to cope, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Talk to your coach, talk to your peers — just talk. This is the day for it, but every day is a good day to talk to someone about mental health.
Find out more about Bell Let’s Talk by CLICKING HERE.
