It’s been great to be a regular Tweeter again, and i’ve really enjoyed reading peoples tweets in regards to mental health day/week this week. People have felt empowered to speak out and be honest, without (for the most part, it would seem) the fear of being judged. It’s been a refreshing change in recent years from the silence and indifference of the past.
Mental health and cricket go hand in hand for me. Cricket was a huge help when I needed a means of getting away from it all. I would watch a game or go to a match and all my worries would ebb away and for 2 or 3 hours at least I would feel genuinely happy, regardless of my general state of mind. All that i’d think about was the scene in front of me; the beauty of the ground, the entertainment of the occasion and the history that surrounds it all. It made me relax and for one period of time in particular i’d happily say that it was the only thing that made me truly, deeply happy!
The high profile nature of mental health in the cricketing community, with the likes of Sarah Taylor, Marcus Trescothick and many others speaking so openly, honestly and admirably about the problems they’ve faced makes me happier still. Cricket, unlike football is a sport where it feels like it’s ok to not be ok, without judgement…whether you’re a high profile cricketer, a participant or (merely) a fan, there are always people happy to lend an ear.
It’s so important to talk about mental health, even if it appears mundane when you blog (Tweet, Bookface etc) that you once had problems and you’ve kinda pulled through. Even if you’ve never had any real problems, you may be able to help someone with problems to get through a tough time…in many cases without ever knowing that you’ve helped...So talk!
I know that I will never be ‘cured’ of my mental health problems. I’ll always need to look out for myself, i’ll always need the help and support of others to stay afloat…but i’m happy with that, i’ve come to terms with that. I’ve thought hundreds of times about how I should bring up mental health on social media without being judged by peers, friends, work, the general public. I’ve never really gone into much detail on social media and i’m not likely to go into greater depth than this, even now when it seems more acceptable.
I know that cricket is the sport for me. It enhances my life in so many ways and I know it’ll always be there for me, whatever i’m going through in my life. Through the highs and lows, cricket is my ever present rock.
If you’re reading this, remember that I am always here to lend an ear. I know that being there for you will mean that a little way down the line, you may be there for me when I most need you. Stay well!
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