Highfield RFC Positive Mental Health Policy
in association with Suicide Aware
(Amber Flag)
There is no health without mental health.
Positive mental health includes self-esteem, the ability to solve problems and
the ability to adapt to mental stresses.
How to Promote Positive Mental Health:
- Routines that promote exercise, nutrition, and a healthy amount of sleep
are helpful.
- Positivity and encouragement towards individuals within the club (players,
members and supporters)
- Senior players linked with younger teams
- Encourage people to take part in club activities (take note/make someone
aware if an individual is always missing events)
- Events to promote awareness of the Amber Flag and the importance of
positive mental health in general
If approached by someone seeking assistance some of the following points
may help:
- Be there.
The best thing you can do for someone with depression is to be there and
express to them how important they are.
- Try a small gesture.
Text, call, go for a meal.
- Don’t judge or criticize.
What you say can have a powerful impact on an individual. Avoid saying statements
such as: “You just need to see things as half full, not half empty” or “I
think this is really all just in your head.”
- Avoid the tough-love approach.
Many individuals think that being tough on the individual will undo their
depression or inspire positive behavioral changes. But consider that this
is as useless, hurtful and harmful as ignoring, pushing away or not helping
someone who has cancer.
- Don’t minimize their pain.
Statements such as, “You’re just too thin-skinned” or “Why do you let every
little thing bother you?” shame a person with depression. It invalidates
what they’re experiencing and completely glosses over the fact that they’re
struggling with a difficult disorder – not some weakness or personality
flaw.
- Avoid offering advice.
What helps instead is to ask, “What can we do to help you feel better?”
This gives the individual the opportunity to ask for help. When a person
asks for help they are more inclined to be guided and take direction without
feeling insulted.
- Avoid making comparisons.
Unless you’ve experienced a depressive episode yourself, saying that you
know how a person with depression feels is not helpful.
- Learn as much as you can about the issue.
You can avoid the above missteps and misunderstandings simply by educating
yourself about the issue.
- Be patient.
But remember that just by being there and asking how you can help can be
an incredible gift.
- Support
Let them know that you and others care about them and are available for
support. Offer to drive them to treatment or, if they want to talk to you
about how they're feeling, know what to listen for.
- Listen and Don’t make promises
It is very important to be a caring ear to someone who approaches you. Don’t,
however, promise anything as the individual will feel let down if the promise
cannot be fulfilled.
IF YOU ARE APPROACHED BY AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 YOU
MUST INFORM THEIR PARENT/GUARDIAN.
If you are approached by someone looking for help, and are unsure what to do,
contact one of the club liaisons or any of the centres listed below. Alternatively,
check online for various organisations that can help.
If you feel someone is in imminent danger to themselves or others get them to
a hospital or contact the authorities for help.
NEVER PUT YOURSELF IN HARMS WAY!
CONTACTS
SUICIDE AWARE : |
087-9454202 |
AWARE : |
1890 303 302 |
JIGSAW(12-18 YEAR OLDS) : |
066 718 6785 kerry@jigsaw.ie |
SAMARITANS: |
1850609090 Text: 087-2609090 email: jo@samaritans.org |
Pieta House : |
021-4341400 |
GARDAÍ/AMBULANCE : |
999 |
CLUB LIAISONS
ROBERT BOGUE : |
087-2273580 |
KIERAN GOLDEN : |
087-2227739 |
PHILIP NEWTON : |
087-2521280 |
DON O’SULLIVAN : |
087-2024566 |
DAVE BARRY : |
087-2568661 |
JOE EUSTACE : |
086-3805610 |
GETHIN LEWIS : |
086-1948543 |