When you play a sport professionally, injury can feel like a loss of identity.
That’s exactly how Vicky Fleetwood, professional rugby player and World Cup winner, felt when she was forced to take time off the pitch and miss out on representing her country at the 2016 Olympic Games.
Not only was she battling a physical injury though, but she was also trying to navigate her way through the recent loss of her mum.
In this frank discussion about mental health, she addresses how much easier it is to ask for help when it’s something physical rather than an invisible internal battle — and how important it is for us to change that.
To celebrate Mental Health Awareness, in every week of October we are sharing an episode of The Locker Room — a series of candid interviews with our ambassadors and athletes that give their experiences with mental health a platform. Because we are #StrongerTogether.
Check out the other episodes right here:
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this video, the following organisations may be able to provide help and advice:
Mental Health UK: https://mentalhealth-uk.org/information-and-support/
Cruse Bereavement Care: https://www.cruse.org.uk/
The Good Grief Trust: https://www.thegoodgrieftrust.org/
Samaritans: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
Shout (a 24/7 crisis text line): text SHOUT to 85258
For every Stronger Together shaker sold throughout October, we’ll be donating £2.50 to Mental Health UK (registered charity number: 1170815).
