“It’s well established now that our mental health affects our physical health. And it’s essential for our general well-being. I have struggled with my own mental health, (haven’t we all?). And it is an area of interest for me. I hope that by being an ambassador I can play a small role in spreading awareness and helping others. Sometimes all we need is to know we aren’t alone.”
October 10th is World Mental Health Day, with the theme for this year, set by the World Federation for Mental Health, being ‘Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority‘.
Mental health support for PSA players has been fundamental for the PSA Foundation and this year on World Mental Health Day we are championing this cause and raising funds that support the mental health of players on tour.
During their warmups for the matches on the day- which coincides with the US Open- our players will be wearing T-Shirts highlighting the key message that you can’t see everything on court.
In 2021, the PSA Foundation launched a Health and Wellness programme led by the players themselves.
Mary-Fung-A-Fat- Guyana No.1 one of our Health and Wellness Ambassadors- speaks about how the programme helped her with the loss of her father.
Professional sport presents unique pressures for athletes and the aim for this initiative is the players will spearhead a Tour wide effort to share struggles, advice, experiences and support each other.
At the PSA Foundation, we believe that there are no better people to help inform on the challenges of competing on Tour than the players themselves and the health and wellness programme is testament to that.
“It’s often easy to look at professional athletes & forget that we are humans too who also go through life struggles & deal with mental health issues. When we are constantly traveling around the world, competing in tournaments, dealing with the highs & lows of sport, spending a lot of time on our own, putting ourselves out there in the public eye, it takes a toll on our mental health & well-being, which is why it’s so important for us to talk about it & address it. As an ambassador for the Health & Well-being of the players on tour, I strive to normalize the conversations around mental health topics & support players in getting the help & resources that they need in order to take care of themselves."
Lucas Serme, Health and Wellness Ambassador and World No.43, said:
“Too often in the world of sports we are told to be tough and to brush emotions off, and from a young age we are expected to be able to push beyond our limits every day and not show the signs of pain or fatigue, especially the mental one.
“Fortunately, we are coming to the realization that it is impossible to function normally, let alone compete at the highest level, without taking care first of ourselves and what’s inside our head. That is why mental health is so important.”
“As one of the Health and Wellbeing Ambassadors it is so motivating and fulfilling to be working alongside fellow squash players in order to find ways to improve how our great community can help make squash a place where everyone feels heard, safe and healthy.”
Enable us to continue to provide effective mental health support to players on the tour by supporting our World Mental Health Day Fundraiser
