More than Sport: Curlers Reflect on Mental Health, Balance, and Support
October marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a global initiative promoting empathy, understanding, and collective action. Beyond the intense competitions, long seasons, and national expectations, curlers share stories of resilience, connection, and courage.
Finding Strength Through Conversation
For Canada’s Brett Gallant, working with a sports psychologist is crucial for maintaining his mental well-being.
“When you’re in these kinds of high-pressure events all the time, it’s nice to have some training on how to deal with it. It’s also good to have someone to reach out to if you’re struggling.”
Gallant emphasizes the support from his wife and fellow curler, Jocelyn Peterman.
“She knows the pressures and feelings that come with sport. It’s nice to have people to lean on, to talk to, that’s important.”
Regarding his team, he notes the shared experience of stress:
“Everyone’s dealing with stresses and anxieties, and we’re learning how to deal with them better. It’s OK to not be perfectly OK.”
Challenges After Olympic Competition
After the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, Canada’s Rachel Homan encountered one of the hardest moments in her career, missing out on a medal by mere millimeters in a mixed doubles match.
Author’s summary: Curlers highlight the vital role of mental health awareness and support systems in coping with the pressures of high-level sport and personal challenges.