News

TALKING IS A LIFELINE WITH SCOTT ROBERTS

29 NOVEMBER 2019 12:35

The #TalkingIsALifeline campaign is centred around sharing the personal experiences of men who have struggled with their mental health, with this feature focusing on Scott Roberts, site manager of E.G. Lewis & Company Ltd’s Roofing & Cladding division.

Having suffered with mental health issues for most of my life, I had often been told about the power of sport and exercise.Attending a gym was okay back in the day, to begin with, but as other commitments increased, with family and work taking priority it was gradually more difficult to find the time to attend the gym. Getting out of bed became the hardest thing to do, the gym, which was my solace, became another draining time issue that was the easiest and least selfish thing to give up.

Rugby, although, was the one thing that gave me some release from the whirlwind of my mind. Being part of a team (with a lots of good friends) made me feel included for the first time in a long time. Playing for my beloved Aberavon Quins, removed the sense of frustration that I was feeling in my everyday life due to mental health. For those 80 minutes on the rugby pitch, I felt free. I was able to vent the frustrations in the physical nature of the game and relished the brutal collisions. The feeling of camaraderie and the positive feedback from peers was a true release from the pent-up feelings which gradually built up during the week prior. Inevitably this avenue of release closed as injuries, age and life took its toll.

When I was really struggling with my mental health my default actions were to hide away, conversation became difficult and inevitably my social circle decreased, I was isolating myself. I become very intolerant and as an effect I realised that I had a reduced social circle to call upon in times of need. There were occasions I would decline invitations to watch the Quins play locally. I also made excuses to avoid watching the Wales Rugby International Matches which were always a great social occasion, either in the “Club” or in Cardiff itself”.

Mental health is seen as one of the biggest weaknesses today for men, according to a survey of men in the UK, only a quarter of men would openly tell their male friends if they were struggling with their mental health, with the majority preferring to make up an excuse, or give another reason.

Ask Twice. Sometimes we say we’re fine when we’re not. To really find out, ask twice. It shows we’re willing to be there and listen – now or when your friend or colleague is ready to talk.