I’ve always enjoyed playing sports. Ever since I was 6 years old I’ve spent countless hours running around after a ball, either for soccer or Gaelic football. It’s only in the last few years however that I’ve realised how important sport and exercise is to me, and how much of a positive impact it has had in helping me look after my mental health.
Imagine for a second waking up one morning with an elephant sitting on your chest, exerting an even and unrelenting pressure on your rib cage. Now, imagine that this elephant has a certain magical power which allows it to remain glued to your chest, even when you’re in a standing position. This perpendicular force applying, ever present “elephant” is a metaphor for some of the physical sensations I’ve associated with having a generalised anxiety disorder.
Until recently, I had never identified myself as having an anxiety disorder, I just thought it was some weird part of my personality. Throughout undergrad in college, I’d often “pop to the bathroom” before lectures and labs, just so I could try and control my heartrate and calm myself down. If I’d had a particularly bad day, I’d always find solace in the fact that I had soccer training that evening, or that once I got home I could go for a run. I’d turn up to training 20 minutes early to help set up or just run around by myself with a ball. This would always help me to calm down, clear my head and get some relief from my racing thoughts and the pressure in my chest.
Having already been quite shy as a child, I spent a lot of time in and out of Temple Street hospital in Dublin. Between the ages of 6-15, I was treated for acute kidney failure on a number of occasions and spent a fair amount of time on dialysis. Returning to school, I always hated the feeling of being different to my classmates for being out sick for so long. Instead of talking about how I felt, I threw myself into classes and sports and was training or playing games almost every day of the week. This continued throughout secondary school and into college. I’d go training and be completely focused on whatever drill or practice we were doing. I’ve always absolutely loved playing a match, and find it almost therapeutic; whether it’s keeping my mind on reading the next pass or how to win the next tackle, or the overall sense of belonging that comes from being part of a team, when we face our defeats and celebrate the victories together.
It wasn’t until I started into postgraduate research that I identified my anxiety, and became aware I had been suffering from panic attacks for quite some time. Anxiety and depression often go hand in hand, and for me it’s been no different. I was reluctant to admit to even myself that I was struggling and instead kept myself as busy as possible with college, research, soccer, society and volunteering activities, all of which were pastimes that I loved and am still very passionate about. When the time came that I could no longer find relief from sports, or even the motivation to keep it up, I knew I had to ask for help. I’m very grateful to have had a very supportive network around me at that time and a loving family and amazing group of friends who I know will always be there for me.
Sport was always (and still is) key in helping me manage my mental health. I’m very thankful to have played with some amazingly supportive teams over the years, especially during times when I don’t think they realised just how much of a support they were for me. I’ve shared some of the best times in my life with my teammates and have many wonderful memories and made some friends for life.
There are many benefits of physical activity for wellbeing and mental health. The added benefits which come from taking part in organised team sports, such as the strong supportive network and the sense of comradery, is something that I encourage everyone to explore. Recently I took part in the FivesForLives charity 5-a-side tournament in Salthill in Galway, which was organised in aid of Pieta House, who work to help prevent suicide and self-harm. I was excited to be taking part, and delighted to help with spreading the message that it’s okay not to be okay, through one of my favourite activities.
I’d encourage everyone to get involved in sport and to take the time out each week for some sort of physical activity. If you’ve already identified an outlet which works for you, I’d urge you to stick with it and to always continue doing what you love.
Help information
If you need help please talk to friends, family, a GP, therapist or one of the free confidential helpline services. For a full list of national mental health services see yourmentalhealth.ie.
- Samaritans 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
- Pieta House National Suicide Helpline 1800 247 247 or email mary@pieta.ie – (suicide prevention, self-harm, bereavement) or text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply)
- Aware 1800 80 48 48 (depression, anxiety)
If living in Ireland you can find accredited therapists in your area here:
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