In the week leading up to the Footy Finals it’s important to remember not only our physical wellbeing but also our mental!

Did you know Brisbane Bronco’s Boyd had some tough times?

Did you know that champion halfback Andrew Johns, Preston Campbell, Brett Seymour, Tim Smith, Reni Maitua, Todd Carney, Cory Paterson and Chris Walker have also had their ups and downs?

Games can be tough and strenuous without the added pressure of competing in front of thousands of fans!

Many players feel the strain of wearing the ‘tough rugby guy’ mask.

The NRL is making strides with their campaign ‘State of Mind’ to reduce stigma around mental illness, create positive discussion & connection in our communities, and stimulate help seeking behaviours by improving health literacy.

They’re in partnership with Australia’s leading mental health organizations: Black Dog Institute, Headspace, Kids Helpline & Lifeline.

Our rugby champs are showing us all that mental illness doesn’t discriminate – it affects us all.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a sports super star or a fan watching at home – you can still experience mental illness.

The Ambassadors:

Ben Henry – New Zealand Warriors

Joel Thompson – St. George Illawarra Dragaons

Tariq Sims – Newcastle Knights

Sam Tagataese – Cronulla Sharks

Josh Starling – Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

Luke Kelly – Parramatta Eels

Dene Halatau – Wests Tigers

Darius Boyd – Brisbane Broncos

Michael Morgan – North Queensland Cowboys

Brenton Lawrence – Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

Dan Hunt – St George Illawarra Dragons

Josh Palavi – New Zealand Warriors

Ryan Hinchcliffe – Melbourne Storm

Keith Galloway – Wests Tigers

1 in 2 people are affected by mental illness. This means you, your brother, your dad, your mate are at risk.

Let’s raise awareness together, fight back against the stigma & improve our mental health education!

If the toughest blokes in league can do it so can we.

Coachs & PDHPE staff check out these awesome tips on assuring your player’s/ student’s wellbeing;

“At the core of promoting player Wellbeing is the development of a player in all aspects of his life. A player that is more balanced and centered will have greater resilience in coping with stresses as they arise. This Wellbeing model includes:

Physical wellness – Having sufficient energy, vitality, mobility and functional capacity to undertake all daily activities. Psychological wellness – Possessing the cognitive and emotional resources to express feelings and ability to adjust to life’s challenges with general feelings of positive self-worth. Socially and community engaged – Possessing an interest and building relationship inside and outside of football. Culturally connected with their origins – Feeling a sense of cultural pride, and belonging to one’s culture of origin beliefs, common customs and values. Vocationally engaged – Having a plan for personal career goals away from the playing field that will provide with purpose, income and fulfillment. Financially grounded – Possessing the economic understanding of satisfying their current and future financial needs. Spiritually nurtured – Having guiding beliefs, principals, values and behaviors that give meaning and purpose to one’s life.”

For more great info on the NRL’s State of Mind Campaign check out their website: http://www.nrlstateofmind.com.au/

#mentalhealtheducation #reducethestigma #raiseawareness #sportforthought #stateofmind

ButterGuys