Teammates matter. That’s the message being issued by headspace Swan Hill for the upcoming headspace Rounds for the Golden Rivers (April 29) and Central Murray (May 13) Football and Netball Leagues.

With just over half (53%)[1] of young people experiencing mental health challenges on their own rather than speaking to someone, we are sharing the message that it is just as important to support your teammates off the field or court as it is on.

“We know how challenging the past few years have been and that we are still recovering. Football and Netball clubs are often the glue that holds regional and rural communities together and they play an important role in the well-being of young people” said Kirsty Jacobs, headspace Swan Hill Manager.

“Teammates anticipate each other’s next move and are always on the lookout for each other on the field and court. We are encouraging that this happens off the field and court by checking in with mates and continuing to have important conversations about how you are going off the field or court”.

Many young people in Australia will experience a significant issue in the next 12 months that really gives them trouble, and one of the best supports we have is each other. Whether you drop a mark/pass or miss a kick/shot, your teammates are there to pick you up and get around you. This year’s headspace Round will highlight just how important this is to continue away from sport.

“We know that football and netball clubs are extremely influential on young people, offering a strong sense of community, belonging and normality” said headspace Swan Hill’s Senior Clinician, Hayley Neuschafer. “It takes people like coaches, trainers, supporters and teammates to lift you to success on the field and court. It is equally important to have a team around you to be physically and mentally healthy off the field or court.

“At headspace Swan Hill we are absolutely committed to ensuring all young people have the tools and confidence they need to be more proactive and open in managing their mental health and wellbeing. Simple tips like staying connected to others, building coping strategies, doing things you enjoy and staying active, can all play a vital role in building resilience and maintaining a healthy headspace,” said Ms Neuschafer. 

This headspace Round will promote a positive mental health message to all on the day but will specifically focus on the importance of checking in with your teammates on and off the field or court, so that everyone in our sporting communities knows they have someone to talk to. 

The team at headspace Swan Hill would like to thank the Golden Rivers and Central Murray Football Netball Leagues and their clubs for helping us to get this extremely important message out to young people.

If you or a young person you know is looking for support, headspace can help. We are not just a mental health service and can help point young people in the right direction and provide support before things get too hard. To get in contact with the team: freecall 1800 975 115, headspace@shdh.org.au, https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/swan-hill/.

The seven tips to maintaining a healthy headspace can be found at https://headspace.org.au/tips/.

ENDS

For more information or to arrange media interviews, please contact:

Kathryn Hindle
Community Engagement Officer

0472 537 458 or KHindle@shdh.org.au

THE SEVEN TIPS FOR A HEALTHY HEADPSACE

1. Close and connected relationships

Feeling connected to others is an essential part of being human. Spending time with friends, family and people in your community can really strengthen your mental health and wellbeing.

1. Eat Well

A poor diet can make you feel sluggish, low and increase symptoms of depression and anxiety. But staying hydrated and having a healthy diet with a variety of fruit, veggies, nuts and wholegrains can actually improve mental health.

1. Stay active

Staying active can help you to sleep better, manage stress and boost your mood. Find a way to keep active that you enjoy and incorporate this into your regular routine.

1. Get enough sleep

Getting enough sleep is good for your brain and body. It improves your mood, sharpens your concentration and increases resilience.

1. Cut back on alcohol and other drugs

Curbing the amount of alcohol and other drugs that you use (or avoiding alcohol and drugs altogether) will help you manage your emotions better and improve your wellbeing.

1. Learn new ways to handle tough times

There are a lot of different strategies that can help you to manage difficult thoughts and feelings. Things like meditation, taking a digital detox, listening to music, spending time outdoors or writing things down are just a few ways that can help you handle challenging times.

1. Get into life and do stuff that’s important to you

Keep doing the stuff you love to do and the things that are important to you. It can help keep the fun in your life, give you a sense of accomplishment and purpose, boost your confidence and help to connect with others.

[1] headspace National Youth Mental Health Survey 2020