By Curtis Gordon

Laurentian varsity sports teams took to social media last week to share important messages about mental health on Bell Let’s Talk Day.  

Although most teams are not physically together right now due to COVID-19, many felt that it was important to share a message of togetherness to mark the occasion.  

Bailey Tabin, a fourth-year student and a member of the women’s basketball team. said “we are passionate about the importance of mental and physical health, and the pandemic does not stop us from supporting these great causes.”

In addition to the attention drawn toward conversations around mental health around this time every year, student-athletes and coaches believe that these conversations need to happen all year, not just for one day.

“Although Bell Let’s Talk day only happens once a year, we believe it is important to keep talking about mental health awareness as it impacts everyone in the community every day,” Tabin said.

Tabin said that “in these times of isolation, mental health is extremely important. That is why I am thankful for my team and the support we give each other.” 

Tabin encourages people to reach out to a loved one and ask them how their day was.

“Because sometimes we all need someone to talk to,” she said. 

Mikaela Cheslock, a workplace and labour studies student and member of the women’s curling team said “Bell Let’s Talk Day is a great place to start, but I feel that we need to continue this type of messaging and support year-round so that we can truly eliminate the stigma in our society.”

“Our team has always made it clear that our health is our top priority, so if someone needs a break or someone to talk to, we are there for them,” Cheslock said.  

Pandemic or not, both student-athletes and coaches have also talked about the power and impact that a supportive team dynamic can have on their mental health, both on and off of the playing field.  

Many student-athletes say they feel like they have their team’s support when it comes to discussions on mental health or any challenges they are facing.

For Laurentian coaches, many of them say that a major part of their role is to help develop their student-athletes not just as players, but as people who grow together in a supportive environment.  

Jason Hurley, head coach of the women’s basketball team said “I would argue that our entire existence as coaches is to assist in the mental health and well-being of the students we work with.”

Hurley said “Bell Let’s Talk is a good thing, but it’s only a good thing if we talk about mental health, mental illness and our feelings every day of the year.” 

Stacey Colarossi, head coach of the women’s hockey team said, “It’s not all about wins and losses as there are so many more important moments… it’s about the group as a whole growing to improve as a team with a common goal.”

“Our motto with our team is there’s no islands,” said Colarossi. “So no teammate is ever left on an island.  That’s the most important part in getting through this, is knowing you have those people around you.” 

Ryan Lafraniere, head coach of the curling team said that “the importance of talking about mental health (in not just sport, but beyond) is imperative to the success of all athletes.” 

“Physical and mental wellness work in tandem to form the foundation of the whole athlete development.”

Hurley also said he believes that coaches can teach more about how to be happier.  He also works with his team on the concept of “prehab” for mental health. This involves advocating for daily mindfulness practices/meditation, gratitude exercises and exercise, eating right, drinking a lot of water and getting a proper amount of sleep.  

The Women’s Basketball team participates in Bell Let’s Talk Day (via Twitter)

Coaches have also been inspired by their athlete’s willingness to support each other through a turbulent year, which has certainly had an effect on the mental health and well-being of everyone.

“The resilience of the players this year has been so inspiring,” said Hurley.  “We grew as people through the pandemic. In the summer we did an in-depth team exercise looking into our fears.”

Bell Let’s Talk day was on January 28th, 2021. Bell Let’s Talk offers its own website for people in need of help to reach out. They offer multilingual resources for kids up to seniors.