Why Aren’t Mental Struggles Treated Like Physical Injuries? | Vicky Fleetwood: The Locker Room – Episode 3
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:
Battling An Eating Disorder & Living With PTSD | Emelye Dwyer: The Locker Room – Episode 1
In this incredibly powerful interview, our athlete shares her struggles with mental health — and how she’s now using them to help others.
Coping With The Pressures Of Competing | Abou Konate: The Locker Room – Episode 2
In this honest interview, pro-bodybuilder Abou Konate shares how constantly striving for perfection led to a breakdown.
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).
Lauren is an English Literature graduate originally from the South. She’s always loved swimming, has discovered the power of weight training over the past few years, and has lots of room for improvement in her weekly hot yoga class.
On the weekends she’s usually cooking or eating some kind of brunch, and she enjoys trying out new recipes with her housemates – especially since shaking off student habits, like mainly surviving off pasta. Above all, she’s a firm believer in keeping a balance between the gym and gin.
Find out more about Lauren’s experience here.
