"Voice it. It's important not to keep the feelings bottled up."
Mental health is just as important as your physical health however it is still sometimes overlooked. Problems with mental health can range hugely, from everyday worries to lifelong conditions.
As part of World Mental Health Day, we spoke to England Rugby Sevens and Gilbert ambassador Charlie Hayter about his time as an international sportsman, the importance of teammates and advice he would give to others.
How important were your team mates when you were going through challenging times in your career?
Having journeyed through many highs and lows that professional sport brings I have always relied on the bonds that you make with team mates to help guide you through these. With some of the lows around Injuries having team mates who were there to chat to, provide an emergency care package or just have a brew with were massively helpful!
What advice would you give to anybody struggling with the pressure that comes with the game and bouncing back after injury or defeat?
Voice it. It’s important not to keep the feelings bottled up – find a person or group that you trust to share how you are feeling and let them know that you’re going through a bit of a rough patch.
What would be your advice to promising young players in all sports today re maintaining good mental health and life balance?
Having your sport in perspective of the wider context of your life is really important – sport is first and foremost to be enjoyed! I believe keeping a check with reality by having a focus outside of your given sport is hugely helpful – whether that be a course, volunteering or regularly checking in with friends who are not related to your sport are all really healthy traits.
