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How cricket is helping raise mental health awareness

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Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey

For so long, depression was viewed as something one should “snap out of”, when in fact, it is a health issue that requires support.

For so long, speaking out about how you feel and opening up was viewed as a sign of weakness, when in fact, it is a sign of undeniable strength.

For so long, it was viewed that overcoming any worries and stresses can be done alone, when in fact, we need to reach out to a trusted mate when times are tough.

And times are tough. The COVID-19 pandemic, along with day-to-day life management, can be taxing. Stress and anxiety, particularly around the uncertain future we face, can become overpowering. How we view ourselves, particularly within the competitive juggernaut that is social media, can also harm mental health.

So, raising awareness of speaking out about any issues we face is crucial. It can’t be done alone.

How cricket is helping to raise mental health awareness

Cricket, a sport that influences the lives of billions, is making great strides in educating people that seeking help is a sign of strength. And it’s a must that we continue.

In recent times, cricketers such as Australia’s Will Pucovski and Glenn Maxwell, as well as England’s Sarah Taylor, have taken breaks from cricket on mental health grounds. In fact, Taylor, England’s great wicket-keeper-batswoman, has given up international cricket to focus on overcoming her anxiety.

International cricketers are under constant pressure to perform. When you play all-year round with unforgiving schedules, handling the spotlight for so long can be a very arduous task. Up-and-coming cricketers are also under constant pressure, as they aim to make it to the big time. A poor performance or two on the field can have significant effects on a cricketer’s wellbeing. So, it’s crucial they know they have someone to support them.

In a great step forward, Cricket Australia (CA) is seeking a mental health overseer to join the organisation. Staff and players will get the support they need, with a focus on more one-to-one discussions where individuals can be open and honest in discussing what they are going through.

Cricket is helping raise mental health awareness

This holds very true for Australian captain Tim Paine. On the Bounce Back Podcast, Paine openly spoke about one of the darkest periods of his life; how his rise, which started as a 16-year old, was then cut short by a horrific finger injury that halted his career.

”I don’t think anyone knew that I was struggling at all; not my best mates, not even my partner,” said Paine. “I remember times where I’d be sitting at home, she’d be at work, and I would literally be sitting on the couch, not balling my eyes out, but crying.

“It was weird. It was really painful; it was hard to explain, but yeah I just felt that the fact I was letting so many people down. I felt like I didn’t want to go and socialise with people; I thought that people would think less of me because I’m not scoring runs or catching. So, I become a real homebody as well.

“I tried to, as a lot of people do, deal with it internally and it just got worse, and worse, and worse and worse.

“Every time I spoke to a coach, selector or teammate, I was always ‘yeah, I’m fine, I’m good. I’m not getting many runs, but whatever. I’ll be OK, I’ll get there.’

“That almost just made it worse.”

Paine then spoke about how openly speaking about the thoughts and issues he was facing helped him feel a lot better.

“We had a sports psych over here [at Cricket Tasmania], who was also our professional development person, she doubled up as our sports psych. We just started talking”, said Paine.

“I still remember there’s a common room downstairs where the players are, and I sat in there with Emma Harris [sports psych], and it was the first time I actually told someone how I was actually feeling and what was really going on.

“I reckon I sat with her for probably only 20 minutes. I remember walking out of that room and instantly feeling better; that I’d let someone in and shared what was really going on.

That was the first step to dealing with it – admitting I needed help and addressing the situation.”

How cricket is helping raise mental health awareness | Cricket mental health stories | A view of Australia from fine leg
Tim Paine has done a great job as Australian captain after a tough time in his life.

How a local Australian cricket lover used cricket to raise funds for mental health

However, it’s not just the high-profile Cricket Australia going to great lengths to provide mental health support for high-profile cricketers.

How cricket is helping raise mental health awareness | Cricket mental health stories | A view of Australia from fine leg
Cricket is helping raise mental health awareness

The story of local Australian cricket lover and player Craig Dodson is as inspiring as it is incredible. Last cricket season, Craig set a world record by playing 11 games of cricket for 11 different clubs across Australia, while raising funds and awareness for mental health foundation Gotcha4Life, a not-for-profit organisation established by cricket tragic Gus Worland.

Craig travelled over 10,000 kms, pulling on the whites for a diverse mix of fantastic cricket clubs. He found himself trapped by a bushfire, travelling 1,600 kms one day just for a golden duck and was given a hand by greats of the game like Greg Chappell and Darren Lehmann along the way to make it all happen.

It was an epic sporting and lifetime adventure. In Craig’s words, “I made 75 runs at the poor average of 10.5. Luckily my straight breaks claimed a lot of wickets, yet I contributed SFA in the field.”

But there was an incredible story behind all this. Craig had a battle with depression a decade ago, and came out the other side. So, to raise awareness that others can also overcome their own battles, Craig embarked on an epic cricket tour to raise funds. In the end, he raised a brilliant $9,000 for the Gotcha4Life foundation.

“Along the way, I met some fantastic Australian characters and got a great snapshot of the value of community sport and the role it plays in promoting positive mental health,” said Craig.

You can check out Craig’s journey at https://www.aviewofaustraliafromfineleg.com/ and on Twitter at @fromfineleg. Also, Craig has since written a book, called “A View of Australia from Fine Leg” – a story of an average man who followed his dream and made a difference, one cricket match at a time.

All profits from the book will go to charity. Check it out today!

How cricket is helping raise mental health awareness | Cricket mental health stories | A view of Australia from fine leg
A view of Australia from fine leg

And remember, if you are facing any challenges, please do speak out about them. There are great organisations out there such as beyondblue that can help.

Charbel Coorey
Charbel Cooreyhttps://cricblog.net
Charbel is the owner & founder of cricblog.net, based in Sydney, Australia. He started the website to fulfill his love for the game of cricket. Charbel has been featured on other publications including OP India, Times of India, and The Roar, among others. He is also a keen fantasy sports player. Charbel has also had the privilege of interviewing cricketers on the CricBlog TV YouTube channel, including James Neesham, Rassie van der Dussen, Andrew Tye, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat and Saurabh Netravalkar: https://www.youtube.com/@cricblogtv For any story tips or questions, you can contact Charbel at charbelcoorey@cricblog.net.

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