🏅 Welcome to Our Sports and Mental Health Special Edition! 🏅

Greetings, All!,

The football season in the UK has wrapped up with Manchester City clinching the Premier League title for the fourth consecutive time! ⚽️ We've also just witnessed an epic unification fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. 🥊 Now, sports fans everywhere are eagerly looking ahead to a summer packed with excitement, from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games to Euro 2024, the British Grand Prix, Wimbledon, and so much more! 🏎️🎾

As we cheer for our favourite athletes, it's important to remember the mental challenges they face. This newsletter shines a spotlight on the mental health of the sports stars we admire and explores how the world of sports is recognising and addressing these issues. Plus, we’ll share tips on how you can support your own mental well-being in both personal and professional settings.

Let’s dive into how sports and mental health intersect and what we can do to help ourselves and others stay mentally fit! 💪🧠

 Sporting Quote of the Month:

Best wishes,

Mike Lawrence

Navigating Mental Health in May

Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk: The Fight and Its Aftermath

🥊 Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk: A Battle for the Ages 🥊

The recent unification fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk was nothing short of spectacular, with Usyk clinching the victory on a split decision. I stayed up to watch this enthralling match, and it was worth every minute! If you missed it live, click here to watch the highlights—you won't be disappointed.

The Aftermath: What’s Next for Tyson Fury?

As the dust settles and the horror new footage doing the rounds shows the moment ‘Tyson Fury didn’t want to continue’ in Oleksandr Usyk's defeat.

The question on everyone's mind is: What’s next for Tyson Fury? In a Netflix series about his life, Fury’s wife mentioned that he wouldn’t know what to do with himself without boxing. This sentiment is deeply rooted in his history with the sport, which has been a crucial part of managing his mental health.

Fury was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in 2017 and has openly struggled with depression, anxiety, alcohol addiction, and cocaine abuse. He faced his darkest times during his first retirement in 2015, experiencing suicidal thoughts. The show captures this ongoing battle, highlighting the fear that these issues could resurface if he steps away from the ring again.

Mental Health in Sports: Recognising the Struggles

Tyson Fury’s story underscores the importance of mental health in sports. Athletes, despite their success, are not immune to mental health challenges. Recognising and addressing these issues is crucial, not just for their performance, but for their overall well-being.

How Can We Support Our Mental Health?

1. Stay Active: Just like athletes, physical activity can boost your mood and reduce anxiety.

2. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to talk to a friend or professional about your struggles.

3. Set Goals: Having a purpose, whether in sports or daily life, can keep you motivated and focused.

Let's remember the champions on our screens are human too, facing battles we might not see. By sharing their stories, we can better understand and support mental health in all aspects of life.

There Is Always Somebody Who Will Listen

Ahead of the Wolves home game against Luton, Wolves Records artist Reepa acted as a friendly ear for those in need at Molineux. Standing with a sign that highlighted the importance of mental health, he offered hugs and chats to fans, sending a powerful message: no one should suffer in silence.

I recently watched this incredibly powerful video and was moved to tears, especially during a touching moment when a young girl asked Reepa if he would like a chip or a hug, to which he replied, "How about both?" This simple yet profound interaction highlights the importance of kindness and connection.

The film also mentioned that four individuals who approached Reepa were not featured because they were in crisis and received immediate support. This underscores the critical need for accessible mental health resources and the impact of compassionate gestures.

I’ve encouraged my clients and delegates in my mental health first aid courses to watch this video. It’s a touching reminder that reaching out for help can make all the difference. You can watch the highlights of the video [here](#).

If you or someone you know needs immediate mental health support:

- Call: 999, Samaritans on 116 123, or Papyrus on 0800 068 4141

- Text: SHOUT to 85258

- For additional support, visit the Hub of Hope at [hubofhope.co.uk](https://hubofhope.co.uk) to find local mental health services

Let’s continue to support each other, both on and off the pitch.

Support for Athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics

This summer, the Paris 2024 Olympics will introduce Mental Fit Zones and an AI-powered system to protect athletes from online abuse as part of a comprehensive mental health action plan. These initiatives aim to create a safer, more supportive environment for all participants and address the growing concerns about mental health in sports.

Athletes like Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka have highlighted the importance of mental health in sports by taking time out to focus on their well-being. Biles withdrew from several events at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to prioritise her mental health, while Osaka has taken breaks from tennis to manage her mental health, bringing attention to the pressures faced by elite athletes.

According to research carried out by the OU Sport & Fitness Team, the top mental health conditions that elite athletes often suffer from include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse. These conditions can be exacerbated by the intense pressures of competition, the constant scrutiny, and the high expectations placed on them.

Your Own Mental Health Toolkit

To support their well-being, athletes will receive a mental health toolkit that includes resources and strategies for managing stress and maintaining mental health during intense competition.

You, too, can get your own toolkit called the WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan). Created by Mary Ellen Copeland, WRAP is designed to help individuals develop a personalised plan for mental health recovery and maintenance. This plan includes identifying triggers, creating a crisis plan, and setting goals for wellness. WRAP has been widely adopted and is recognised as an effective tool for managing mental health.

To support your own mental well-being, you can download a free copy of the WRAP toolkit from the Mind website here.

For more details, read the full article here.

Enrol in a Mental Health First Aid England Training Course and Empower Your Team!

Mental health awareness is crucial, whether you're cheering for athletes like Simone Biles and Tyson Fury, witnessing the efforts of Wolves football, or managing a business team. In the sports world, we've seen how prioritizing mental health can transform lives. But what about in our workplaces?

If you’re responsible for people management or you’re a business owner who cares about your organisation's mental health and well-being, consider this: One in four people face mental health challenges. This statistic underscores the need for robust support systems 📊💬.

Join our upcoming online MHFA comprehensive two-day course starting on June 3rd and July 3rd. These sessions are designed to renew crucial skills and significantly impact your life and those around you, equipping you with the knowledge to effectively navigate mental health issues within both personal and professional spheres 🌈👥.

What You'll Learn:

- Recognising Early Signs: Identify the early symptoms of mental health issues.

- Providing Support: Learn how to provide initial help and guide someone towards appropriate support.

- Crisis Management: Develop strategies to handle mental health crises confidently.

- Building Resilience: Understand how to build a supportive environment that fosters mental wellbeing.

Why It's Needed:

With athletes like Simone Biles taking breaks to focus on their mental health and the inspirational efforts of Wolves Records artist Reepa, mental health is a priority. In a business setting, supporting your team’s mental health can lead to a more productive, engaged, and loyal workforce.

Don’t miss this chance to enhance your abilities and become a beacon of support in a world that increasingly recognises the importance of mental health 🚀❤️.

📅 Book your spot today and begin a journey that transforms lives—including your own and makes a lasting difference!

📝 If you are looking to book multiple participants from your organisation, or are interested in in-person training options, please drop me a message to discuss customised solutions.

Mike Lawrence: Health & Wellbeing Enthusiast and Mental Health Advocate

Hi, I’m Mike Lawrence, and I’m dedicated to enhancing mental health and wellbeing. After overcoming significant health challenges, including brain surgery, I’ve committed to a journey of self-improvement and helping others. My adventures range from thrilling skydives for charity to transformative travels in Thailand. I share insights from my experiences and key learnings from impactful audiobooks. Join me in exploring holistic health and wellbeing, and let’s embrace life’s adventures together!

Feel free to contact me through email at [email protected] or LinkedIn. For more detailed insights and stories from Mike, click here to read the latest blogs.