‘R U OK?’ Day – 14th September 2023
Our Club would like to acknowledge the importance of today’s official ‘RUOK?’ day, and be conscious that being available to support and listen to friends, colleagues and our paddling mates is important every day of the year. This year’s theme is “I’m here to hear”, reinforcing the fact that you don’t need qualifications to talk with someone about mental health. A conversation really could change a life.
https://www.ruok.org.au/rail-r-u-ok-day
The following is a powerful testimonial from one of our paddlers who explains how sport, in particular our Club, has supported his mental health and aided his recovery from challenging times.
‘I was fortunate enough to discover and join the Sapphire Coast Outrigger Canoe Club (SCOCC) in March this year. The following views are informed both by my role as a Mental Health Nurse and as a person who has known anxiety for most of my life. I have experienced anxiety both as debilitating and manageable. As a Nurse I have the privilege of helping people at their most vulnerable times. As a person who has lived experience, I endeavour to practice sound psychological self-care.
Sound psychological self-care consists of many factors. Medications and psychiatric professionals are sometimes required, though they are only a part of the picture. Social connectedness, exercise, and engagement with nature are also recommended as part of a holistic therapeutic approach, and these are all obtainable within SCOCC and are entwined within a positive, encouraging, and inclusive culture.
Meditation and mindfulness are both clinically indicated for facilitating mental wellness. SCOCC provides the opportunity to engage in both activities. Paddling is meditative, as it promotes coordination of breath with cognitive focus on technique. It also promotes mindfulness, being in the moment with a sense of connection to and awareness of – the canoe, the water, the air, the natural environment, and fellow paddlers.
As someone who enjoys physical activity and maintaining psychological wellbeing, I am grateful to SCOCC for providing an opportunity to focus on these important aspects of life, which far from being mutually exclusive, are in fact entirely complimentary’.
Colin Hawkins.
The following contains a range of important information and resources for you to access if you’d like to seek support.
