Recently, Valtteri Bottas was candid about the mental health problems he struggled with during his career. Mercedes driver George Russell also stressed the importance of putting your mental health first as he explained to Men's Health.
Top-level sport comes with enormous performance pressure and can have a negative impact on a person's life. It's no secret that many athletes sometimes suffer from mental issues, but we do not hear F1 drivers about it very often. Russell said he sought psychological help after a severe crash.
The Brit wants to pass on to everyone that exercise is good for your mind. When he feels down, he likes to step outside for a walk or go for a run. Fresh air does wonders and so does visiting friends and family. Talking and laughing with others is important.
Russell does not deny that sometimes it can be hard to go out and do something when mentally you are not at your best. You would prefer not to have any social contact at such a time but, he said, it is crucial to still pick yourself up and go out the door. "It takes a lot of courage sometimes."
In the world of peers, we call it self care. Simple to say, but some people have trouble doing it. I am a peer recovery support specialist (for people with substance issues) and a mental health peer specialist. Those of us who have crashed our own lives learn to deal with ourselves. Those of us who go on to become MH professionals have to learn to be there for persons who struggle. Every person should learn to be "comfortable in their own skin", but that is difficult for some. At least George and Lando are well paid and surrounded by people who are willing to see that they can get help. Try to imagine a homeless person with substance issues and a severe MH diagnosis. Every day is a struggle. This is the demographic I have worked with for the past decade+.
Mental health is one of the most important elements of our overall well-being. It is essential for us to take care of our physical and mental health for us to function properly in everyday life. Unfortunately, many people feel shame and fear when it comes to talking about mental health, as it is often seen as something wrong or weak. This is why it takes so much courage to admit that you are struggling with your mental health and to make the conscious conscious decision to do something about it.
Mental health struggles can sometimes make it hard to get out of bed in the morning and take on the day. Feeling overwhelmed, scared, or stressed are all signs that one's mental state is deteriorating. To have the courage to strive for mental well-being is an incredibly brave act. It means standing up for yourself and being aware enough to make the changes that are necessary for your own growth.
Sometimes these changes can be hard to make. Even though it takes courage to improve our own mental state, there are resources available to help make this process easier. Seeking help from a mental health professional is a great first step in the process of taking charge of one's mental health. Outside help can be a great tool for understanding one's inner self and exploring ways to make the changes necessary for a better life.
Creating space for yourself to relax without judgement is also key. Taking time to meditate, go for a walk, or draw can help your mind to take a break from the routine and help it focus on what really matters. Unplug from social media and other distractions and focus on the present moment can make it so much easier to process any emotions that need to be felt or thought through.
Overall, we must acknowledge that mental health is just as important as physical health and that it takes so much courage to pursue mental well-being. It is perfectly okay to ask for help and to take the time to look after your mental well-being. With courage and determination, we can all strive to improve our mental state and be the best version of ourselves.