The pressures and strains of life and work can act as a catalyst to mental health problems, with the most common being depression and anxiety. #itsoknottobeok
The links between good physical health and mental health are well recognised. Physical activity such as playing rugby can be very beneficial for mental health and wellbeing as well as bringing physical benefits.

TOP THREE TIPS
If someone’s feeling anxious or worried, you don’t need to be an expert on mental health to support them. Think about using these top three tips:

1) Check in
Picking up the phone, send a quick text (WA), having a video call, starting a group chat or messaging someone on social media lets them know you are there to talk and ready to listen.

2) Listen and reflect
Whether you have a mental health problem or not, this will be a challenging time for all of our mental health and wellbeing. If someone opens up to you, remember that you don’t need to fix things or offer advice. Often just listening, and showing you take them seriously, can help someone to manage.

3) Ask questions
Ask how people are managing, and ask again if you’re worried they aren’t sharing the full picture. Asking again, with interest, it can help someone to open up and explore what they’re feeling.

EVERYBODY STRUGGLES, ITS OKAY TO ASK FOR HELP

YOUTH INFORMATION AND SUPPORT

Young Minds is a charity specifically focused on promoting positive mental health in children and young people. The Young Minds resources library is full of useful toolkits, publications, reports and policy information about children and young people's mental health.

Student Minds is a charity that works with students and members of the university community to develop the knowledge, confidence and skills to look after their own mental health, support others and create change.

The Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young people. We are here to help you take on any challenge you’re facing - from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs.

No Limits is a local, independent charity providing a unique combination of prevention, early intervention and crisis support to young people, based on a nationally evidenced model.
We provide information, advice, counselling and support through a range of services available ‘under one roof’.

Childline is especially for children. A free, private and confidential service where children can talk about anything, whatever their worry, whenever it is needed.
CALL US FREE ON 0800 1111

Stem Supporting positive mental health in teenagers

SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND SUPPORT

MIND – FOR BETTER MENTAL HEALTH
When someone is experiencing a mental health problem, supportive and reliable information can change his or her life. Mind, one of the leading mental health charities in England and Wales, provides information and guidance for anyone involved in rugby who may be dealing with mental health problems and those supporting them.
Mind’s Infoline offers callers confidential help and information:
Tel: 0300 123 3393
Mind’s Information and Support section provides information on the services and resources they offer
Mind offer Urgent Help Advice for anyone needing it.
Mind provide support for coaches and physical activity providers including a Sport and physical activity toolkit
There is a network of around 130 local Minds across England and Wales that offer specialised support and care based on the needs of the communities they support.

The Lift the Weight campaign supports professional players who can experience a unique set of pressure, having to deal with the intense demands of performing in an elite environment week in, week out. Here you will find videos, advice and links related to a range of mental health issues that may affect you, or somebody you know.

The Samaritans are available for anyone who needs them. They provide a confidential, non-judgemental and safe environment for people to talk about concerns and issues they are having.
WE’RE ARE WAITING FOR YOUR CALL
CALL 116 123 FREE
Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We’re here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Campaign to End Loneliness believe that people of all ages need connections that matter. It might sound like nothing, but those small moments of connection matter, and can make a big difference to someone who may be feeling lonely.

The NHS provide general information on Mental Health and services that are available. Please visit the NHS Mental Health Services for more information.

Time to change Checking in on your family , friends and colleagues during the Coronavirus outbreak is more important than ever.

Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. We launched publicly in May 2019 and we’ve had more than 500,000 conversations with people who are anxious, stressed, depressed, suicidal or overwhelmed and who need immediate support. As a digital service, Shout 85258 has become increasingly critical since Covid-19, being one of the few mental health support services able to operate as normal at this time.

rammit rugby a men’s mental health charity run by rugby players for rugby players

LooseHeadz is a rugby mental health charity