England Golf recognises that 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem each year. This is potentially 195,000 members of golf clubs or iGolfers who might experience a mental health problem every year.
As golfers, we understand that golf can be great for our mental health. It can be a great way to focus on something other than our daily worries. But it shouldn’t be the only tool we use to manage difficult emotions.
Fore Your Mind has two aims for golfers:
- To support golfers to understand more about mental health and spot the signs of poor mental health
- To use that information and encourage golfers to ask their friends, family or four-ball - "Are you okay?"
If you think your life is at immediate risk, call 999, go straight to A&E if you can, or call your local crisis team.
Information
General information on mental health can be found here: What are mental health problems? - Mind .
England Golf wants to encourage golfers to spot the signs within their club, friendship group, or four-ball. We are doing this by supporting golfers to be aware of the signs within their clubs and to feel confident in signposting people to a Mental Health First Aider, the NHS, or other professional support.
It can be challenging to spot the signs of someone struggling with their mental health. Don’t forget that everyone is unique, and we all have different ways of showing or talking about our experiences.
Here are some common signs to look out for:
- Avoiding or missing sessions
- Reduced motivation
- Isolating themselves
- Not enjoying activities they usually like
- Quieter or more withdrawn than usual
- Louder or more energetic than usual
- Said they’re feeling sad, anxious or worried
- Extreme mood swings
- Expressed thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Said they feel trapped or hopeless
- Confused or disordered thoughts
- Difficulty making decisions or concentrating
- Over-sleeping or trouble sleeping
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Drinking or smoking more than usual
- Unexplained headaches or other aches or pains
- Feeling sick or nauseous
- Crying, restless or agitated
- Neglecting self-care
Some people may not show any signs that they’re struggling. This doesn’t make their experiences any less real or hard to cope with.
Where to get help?
NHS – Mental Health Support website: Mental health - NHS.
Mind – Support helplines are available: Helplines | Mind or call 0300 123 3393.
Samaritans – Available day or night, 365 days a year. Call 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org.
Shout – Text SHOUT to 85258. Available 24/7.
Help for Heroes – Self-refer by completing the Ask for Help form or call 0300 303 9888 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm).
Care Coins
As part of Fore Your Mind, Carecoins are working with England Golf to offer 20% off therapy for England Golf and iGolf members.
To make professional support that little bit easier to access, England Golf and iGolf members can now access 20% off professional counselling and therapy, for themselves and their families, through Carecoins - the UK's most ethical and effective counselling and therapy service.
This service is self-referral, with no need to go through a GP, no waiting times, and is entirely confidential.
At Carecoins, we believe that high-quality counselling and therapy should be accessible to as many people as possible. We believe that people struggling with their mental health deserve ethical and bespoke support, and that everyone's journey is unique - no one size fits all. That's why our therapists are all hand-vetted for quality of service, experience and expertise, and why we hand match you to the right therapist for your individual needs. This ensures you get the best support available to help you on your mental health journey.
We pride ourselves on going the extra mile for you.
If you would like any further information, please contact us at care@carecoins.co.uk or visit www.carecoins.co.uk.