Alongside the physical benefits of playing sport, being active also supports our mental wellbeing. As part of Mental Health Awareness Week we asked Lisa Esposito-Maffei, a qualified Mental Health First Aid Instructor, to give some guidance on understanding and spotting signs of mental ill health and where we can go for support.

We all have mental health, together with our physical health it forms part of our overall health. Our mental health is highly individual and can fluctuate. Poor mental health is common and can affect anyone, in fact 1 in 4 people exhibit signs of mental ill health annually.

Unfortunately as many people don’t openly talk about their mental health due to the stigma which surrounds it we don’t realise how common it is. So lets get talking and reduce the stigma!

3 steps to support someone exhibiting signs of mental ill health

1. Spot the signs
Sometimes it will be obvious that someone is exhibiting signs of poor mental health, other times it will be less so. We need to remember that no two people behave in exactly the same way when they are unwell and if you know someone well you may notice a change in their behaviour or mood sooner.

Some of the warning signs of mental ill health include:

Psychological Signs
Irritability, aggression, tearfulness, loss of confidence, inability to concentrate, indecision, difficulty remembering things.

Physical Signs
Constant tiredness, sickness absence, run down and frequent minor illnesses, headache, difficulty sleeping, weight loss or gain, lack of care over their appearance

Behavioural signs
Not getting things done, erratic or unacceptable behaviour, being louder or more exuberant than usual, arguments or conflicts with others, using more caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes and/or drugs

2. Encourage the person to talk and ensure you listen
If you are concerned about someone, approach them and encourage them to talk. Don’t take I’m fine for an answer – ask twice.
Once they are opening up and talking to you ensure you listen to them and ensure you are free from distractions. Whilst listening don’t judge, express frustration towards them and allow the person to talk, not interrupting them.

3. Signpost
Professional help can be found through their GP or a therapist and practical help through acupuncture, mindfulness, relaxation.

Websites & Apps also provide a range of information and support.

Websites: CALM, MIND, YoungMINDS, Samaritans;
Apps – Headspace / Moodzone/ meditation/ mindfulness

Recovery is possible and it is likely. The earlier the intervention and the more supported the person feels the likelier the recovery.

Looking after yourself - Self Care

Its also really important that we look after ourselves, take time for yourself, doing something you enjoy which has a positive effect on your mental health, there are 5 broad areas that self care can fall under

• Physical – sleep, hydrate, nutrition, exercise
• Emotional – spend time with loved ones, laugh
• Professional – Good work life balance
• Psychological – say no, self reflect, practice gratitude, be self aware
• Spiritual – meditate, mindfulness, spend time in nature

Ask yourself, what are you going to do for you this week?

To develop your understanding further why don’t you try a short quiz Premiership Rugby have developed.

Thanks to Lisa for this overview. If you are interested in knowing more about Mental Health First Aid please get in touch with Lisa at lisa@almconsultancy.co.uk www.ALMConsultancy.co.uk