Make sure you talk
Heather Fisher on the importance of being open and honest in order to protect your mental health.
Honest, open communication is the key to keeping a healthy mind.
That was the message from England Sevens star Fisher as she chatted to grassroots rugby coach Max Kenney-Herbert.
The Simplyhealth ambassador joined a special call as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.
The pair opened up on their shared experiences with mental health struggles and how rugby has helped them both.
Max said: "One of the first people I told outside my family, actually the first person I told about my diagnosis (of bi polar) was my friend from rugby. His reaction to it was amazing and he is one of those people that I know is at the end of the phone."
In response, Heather shared a personal story of her own: "When I struggled with my mental illness, I left the England squad, I said I can't do it anymore. Simon Amor was so good with me and asked when I wanted to leave, at Christmas, after Dubai Sevens and I told him, now. I've got to go now and I was in absolute tears."
The full conversation can be viewed in the video above where the pair discuss everything from past struggles to those who supported them most.
Max has been involved in rugby since he was a child and now plays at Old Haileyburians as well as coaching the Battersea Ironsides Women’s teams.
The 29-year-old was diagnosed with bi-polar last year and shared his experiences with England star Fisher, who herself has suffered with her own mental health, overcoming anorexia.
Now on the road to recovery, Max is completing a challenge that will see him complete a marathon or ultra-marathon for every month of 2020.
The monster challenge will see him raise money for Bi Polar UK as well as rugby charity Three Pillars.
To donate, click here.
For more information how to find support for mental health, visit mind.org.uk.
Simplyhealth are the Trusted Healthcare Partner to England Rugby. To find out more about how Simplyhealth are helping you stay positive in this uncertain time, click here.
