More Than Sport: Curlers Reflect on Mental Health, Balance, and Support
October is Mental Health Awareness Month, a global campaign promoting empathy, understanding, and collective action. Behind intense competitions, extended seasons, and national pressures, curlers share stories of resilience, connection, and courage.
Finding Strength Through Conversation
For Canada’s Brett Gallant, working with a sports psychologist is vital for maintaining his mental well-being. He explains,
“When you’re in these kinds of high-pressure events all the time, it’s nice to have some training on how to deal with it. It’s also good to have someone to reach out to if you’re struggling.”
Gallant credits his wife, fellow curler Jocelyn Peterman, for helping him stay grounded.
“She knows the pressures and feelings that come with sport. It’s nice to have people to lean on, to talk to, that’s important.”Regarding his team, he adds,
“Everyone’s dealing with stresses and anxieties, and we’re learning how to deal with them better. It’s OK to not be perfectly OK.”
Challenges After the Olympics
Following the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, Canada’s Rachel Homan experienced one of the most difficult moments in her career when she narrowly missed medal contention in mixed doubles by millimeters.
Her experience highlights the intense emotional demands athletes face beyond the physical challenges of their sport.
Summary
Curlers emphasize the importance of mental health support, open communication, and understanding pressures in competitive sports.
Author’s summary: Curlers reveal how mental health support and strong personal connections help them navigate the intense pressures of high-level competition with resilience and honesty.
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