Keeping the rugby community healthy

1. Listen carefully to what they tell you
2. Don’t try to diagnose  
3. Don’t try to second guess their feelings
4. Set time aside with no distractions
5. Let them share as much or as little as they want to
6. Keep questions open ended
7. Talk about self-care
8. Offer them help in seeking professional support

        Some good conversation starters include:

• Asking someone about their sleep may be a good starting point 
• Asking someone “what is good for your mental health?”
• Perhaps as a prompt, ask the same question without using the word “mental”.

1. Create a club culture where club members check in with each other
2. Be proactive and not just reactive about checking in
3. Ask people twice how they are, how they really are
4. Be present when they are talking to you
5. Listen and be listened to
6. Really give your time to support
7. Recognise unhealthy relationships
8. Prioritise the person before the performance 

Mental health problems are so misunderstood that someone who acknowledges your problem, continues to accept you and treats you with compassion is doing something extremely important.