by Ben Jones
MENTAL health is important on any normal day but as we still sit in lockdown, it has become increasingly more integral to focus on as people continue to battle with their mental health.
Mental illness can have an effect on anybody, whether it be a sportsperson playing the sport they love at the highest level or the person you sat next to on the bus one time.
It’s something that needs to be taken seriously.
Personal struggles and speaking out
Pontypool RFC’s CEO, Ben Jeffreys, has battled with mental health issues in the past and it is something he has spoken out about.
“I’ve been pretty open in the past – mental health from my perspective has been a struggle” he said.
Continuing, “I exerted so much energy when I was – I’m 32 now – in my late teens and early twenties going into university and I just spent so much time hiding it, whether it’s depression or OCD or whatever, from people around me other than my wife – then girlfriend – nobody knew.
“I found that it was so exhausting having to hide that from people, that was just as exhausting as going through the mental health challenges.”
We often hear that those struggling with mental health issues should speak out and get the help they need, but it isn’t as easy as saying what’s on your mind, that is as hard as it comes. It takes a lot of courage for an individual to say that they are struggling.
That is what Jeffreys did, though – he spoke out and it has led to a positive outcome within the rugby community and beyond reaching out and giving their support.
“A few years ago I just took the decision to share what I was going through and it’s been really positive how much support I’ve had from the rugby community and people further afield really.
“If it wasn’t for the fact that I was able to speak out, I probably wouldn’t have got that diagnosis.
I’ve some personal news to share…
I’m delighted to have been appointed Chair of @TBGMind.
I’m incredibly passionate about mental health and the opportunity to work with everyone within the @MindCymru network is a huge honour.
I hope my contribution will be a positive one! https://t.co/nlbjVKGByu
— Ben Jeffreys (@BenJeffreys) September 29, 2020
His work with mental health charities
There are a number of charities that are there to help you if you’re feeling isolated and struggling. They’re there for the people who perhaps can’t speak out as they are too afraid or are in a dark place.
Jeffreys is involved in three big charities surrounding mental health, namely Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent Mind where he is Chair, Time to Change Wales where he is a Champion volunteer and Mental Health For Wales where he is a board member.
Each charity offer something different but it all comes under one roof in the end; tackling mental health and helping those in need.
“It’s been great for me to get involved in that world – it’s become a big passion of mine. I’ve met a lot of people who have experienced so many different things with mental health, depression, PTSD, whatever it may be” said the Pontypool CEO.
“It’s really encouraging to see that community of people building and growing because the more we have those conversations, the more people who can get help and less people have to go through this thing alone.
“Anything anyone can do to break down the taboos, change the perceptions of mental I think is a positive thing and that has led me to become involved with Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent Mind as the chair of the organisation and we face a lot of challenges at the minute, certainly with the pandemic where funding streams have been cut.
“It’s not so easy to connect with people who need help. All of the services have been digitalised and great though that is that we’re still helping people, there’s no substitute for face-to-face therapy.
I’m proud to see @MindCharity take a strong stance on this.
I’ve frequently been told I have “nothing” to be depressed about.
When you’re unwell, hearing that only adds to the pain.
Mental health is immensely personal.
Nobody has the right to judge the merit of your journey. https://t.co/C7Y9ti9BqW
— Ben Jeffreys (@BenJeffreys) March 8, 2021
The role Covid has played
With the pandemic still ongoing and the lockdowns, people from all walks of life are experiencing those very thoughts and feelings that people living with mental health issues have been battling for a longer time, and that is a problem.
“I think certainly with Covid at the moment and the level of isolation people are experiencing, people who have never suffered with mental health challenges in their life are now struggling really badly so it’s more important than ever that we get out there and help people” Jeffreys said.
It’s more important than ever that you look out for your friends and family as we start to return to normality. With the work that Ben and his teams do at Mind, Time to Change and Mental Health First Aid Wales as well as all the other mental health charities across the UK and the world, there is always someone there who will listen to you and help you no longer suffer.
Here are some numbers to call if you are struggling:
Samaritans: 116 123
Mind Charity: 0300 123 3393
Time to Change Wales: champions@timetochangewales.org.uk
Shout: Text Shout to 85258
Students Against Depression: https://www.studentsagainstdepression.org/are-you-depressed-or-anxious/
