SIXTH FORM: Promoting positive mental health

TWO ex-professional sportsmen put their personal lives under the spotlight as they talked to students about issues surrounding anxiety and depression.

Ex-rugby league player Jimmy Gittins and former super rugby league referee Ian Smith spoke to sixth formers about the power of sport to promote positive mental health and wellbeing.

Jimmy told how he suffered an horrific injury in 2002, breaking his back in two places and putting an end to his playing career, changing his life forever.

He has spent the years since pushing his body to new limits and, having left his career running a successful construction company, he went on to set up a specialist rehabilitation unit.

“I am amazed at how my life has changed dramatically, but it still provides me with some great opportunities. Your mental fitness carries the key to a balanced and enriched life.”

Both men talked about losing colleagues to suicide and they both felt that if they knew then what they know now, they may have been able to prevent their deaths if they had recognised the signs and asked the right questions.

Their powerful State of Mind Sport charity presentation addressed mood, depression and anxiety, and what worked for both men in turning their lives around.

Ian told how he now enjoys being an ambassador for the charity, doing talks and presentations to schools and workforces: “Working for State of Mind Sport and being part of a great team helping towards improving people’s mental fitness is fantastic and getting the feedback we do is so very humbling.”

The key objectives of the session were to:

  • Describe the symptoms of anxiety and depressed moods
  • Discuss issues of suicide prevention
  • Share information to improve mental fitness and wellbeing
  • Consider setting of goals and measures for overcoming adversity
  • Encourage looking out for and responding to those who might be experiencing problems

Ian commented afterwards: “We had nearly 100 very respectful young people in the audience, and they really get how important this topic is.”

The event was part of RGS sixth form’s enrichment programme, offering presentations and workshops on a wide range of topics aimed at benefiting students’ personal development.

Deputy head of sixth form, Mrs Lyons said: “It was wonderful to have Jimmy and Ian come to talk to our sixth formers. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and really made them think.”

For more information visit: State of Mind – A charity that harnesses the power of sport (stateofmindsport.org)