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 intense competitions, long seasons, and national expectations, curlers share stories of resilience, connection, and courage.
Finding Strength Through Conversation
For Canada’s Brett Gallant, consulting a sports psychologist plays a critical role in preserving his mental well-being. He explained,
“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 highlights the support of 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.”
About his team, he added,
“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
Following the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, Canada’s Rachel Homan encountered one of the most difficult moments in her career after narrowly missing medal contention in the mixed doubles event.
This experience highlights the emotional toll of elite sports and the importance of mental health awareness among athletes.
Would you prefer a more detailed summary or a focus on additional personal stories?