How to Develop and Implement Mental Health Literacy Strategies

How to Develop and Implement Mental Health Literacy Strategies

How to Develop and Implement Mental Health Literacy Strategies

Paul Gorczynski, PhD, HCPC, CPsychol, AFBPsS: A Senior Lecturer and Chartered and Practitioner Psychologist. Paul has consulted for sporting organizations (e.g., IOC) and governments (e.g., a Women and Equalities Committee, UK Parliament on LGBTQ+ mental health service use and the Colombian Ministry of Sport on mental health literacy).

Paul has also developed and delivered training programmes on mental health for BASES and the IOC Medical and Scientific Committee (see below):

BASES Mental Health in Sport and Exercise units

Global Diversity in the World of Sport and Performance: The Link Between Culture and Mental Health Webinar

IOC Mental Health in Elite Athletes Toolkit

Paul Gorczynski’s contact details and research publications

Mental Health in sport is a topic which over the last decade has become more significant and a big talking point with many elite athletes and coaches openly talking about their personal challenges and struggles.  Yet do clubs and organisations take their needs seriously? In some cases, this is arguable.  Though, thankfully it is changing for the better.

Today’s guest, Dr Paul Gorczynski and I discuss this topic where he talks about his interest in mental health, his research in the development and implementation of mental health literacy strategies.  He shares some great advice for decision makers in organisations as well as useful ideas for Sport and Exercise Psychologists who have an interest in mental health and psychological well-being.

Key Learnings

  • Mental health literacy refers to the knowledge and understanding of mental health, including the ability to recognize signs and symptoms of mental illness, understand the causes and risk factors, and know how to access appropriate resources and support.
  • Mental Health Literacy projects Paul has been involved with include work with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) where he looked at improving diagnosis and treatments for elite athletes and shifting the culture in relation to how mental health was viewed.
  • Athletes have a life outside of sport therefore a holistic approach is required.
  • As a Sport and Exercise Psychologist it is essential to recognise the limits of what you know and can help someone.  Having a clear referral process to more qualified mental health practitioners is essential.
  • Helping people in sporting clubs and organisations to engage in open and informed conversations about mental health and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and well-being is a large part of mental health literacy policies.
  • Having mental health literacy is important for individuals to take care of their own mental health.
  • Mental health literacy can support athletes or coaches who may be struggling with mental health issues.  It can also help by increasing awareness and understanding, promoting early intervention and treatment, and improving overall mental health outcomes.

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Connect with Dr Paul Gorczynski

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Relevant Podcast Episodes

Ep065: Dr Amy Izycky – Encouraging Mentally Healthy Cultures in Sport

Ep066: Marilyn Okoro – Mental Health and Resilience: Lessons from an Olympic Medalist

Ep113: Polly Brennan – The Relationship Between Mental Fitness, Mental Health and Mental Toughness

Ep123: Richard Dorney MBE – Supporting People: What Can You Learn About Resilience From The Military

Ep128: Paula Eddy-Wilcox – Can You Show Vulnerability and Be Mentally Tough? Yes!

Relevant Blogs

Blog – Make Better Decisions to Help Your Sport Performance

Blog – 5 Ways to Create a Psychological Safe Sporting Environment

Blog – 3 Tips to Deal with Bullying in Sport

Blog – Creating a Mentally Healthy Sporting Environment

Blog – Life After Professional Sport and its Challenges

IF YOU ENJOYED TODAY'S SHOW PLEASE SHARE

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Also, kindly consider taking the 60-seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes, they’re extremely helpful when it comes to the ranking of the show and we read every single one of them!

David Charlton

Best Wishes 

David Charlton

Global Sports Psychologist who is located near Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK and willing to travel Internationally.  David also uses online video conferencing software (Zoom, Facetime, WhatsApp) on a regular basis and has clients who he has supported in USA, Canada, South America, UAE, Australian and New Zealand.  

Managing Director – Inspiring Sporting Excellence and Founder of The Sports Psychology Hub.  With over 10 years experience supporting athletes, coaches, parents and teams to achieve their goals, quickly. 

T: +44 7734 697769

E: [email protected]

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Mental Edge Newsletter

Are you an athlete, coach or parent that would like to learn how to create sustainable high performance? Receive our free regular newsletter, where we share proven mental toughness and high performance tips and strategies. If you want some support and motivation straight to your inbox, then sign up below.

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    Can You Show Vulnerability and Be Mentally Tough? Yes!

    Paula Eddy-Wilcox

    Can You Show Vulnerability and Be Mentally Tough? Yes!

    Paula Eddy-Wilcox

    Paula Eddy-Wilcox is a well respected Leadership Coach, The Natural Leadership Coach and Founder of Game of Leadership, The Podcast for Curious Leaders. When supporting her clients, business leaders and executives, she looks to empower you to achieve the things that you want in life.  Paula helps her clients to go about reaching their goals in a way that really resonates with them. By pinpointing your purpose and transforming your mindset, you can then go on to unlock a deep reserve of energy, drive, and natural aptitude that feels authentic to you.

    She is not just here to encourage you to imagine what’s possible. She is very tenacious and calm and enjoys working together with her clients to hammer out actionable, step-by-step plans for achieving your goals. 

    In today’s episode #128, I speak to a well respected leadership coach, The Natural Leadership Coach and host for The Game of Leadership Podcast, Paula Eddy Wilcox.  Paula and I discuss how you can regain clarity on your purpose and passion when you’ve lost your way, we chat about vulnerability and how being true to yourself can be frightening, we also touch on links between mental toughness, vulnerability and psychological safety too.  It’s a great listen for those interested in leadership, and the business world though it does roll over to life in general and sport too.

    Key Learning Points:

    • When you face challenges and you come out the other side it’s important to recognise what strengths you used.
    • Being around people who are aligned with your values aids your sense of well-being.
    • Having the guts to show up as your true self can be daunting.
    • Putting yourself out there, showing your true self makes you vulnerable.
    • As you get older, a lot of people seem to care less what others think.
    • Some elements of Mental Toughness, eg, risk orientation and interpersonal confidence will explain whether you make yourself vulnerable in different situations.
    • A fixed mindset can prevent you from showing vulnerability.
    • There are links with showing vulnerability and psychological safety.

    Connect with Paula Eddy-Wilcox

    LinkedIn

    Website

    Connect with David Charlton

    Download THE FOCUSED ATHLETE CHECKLIST

    Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub

    Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn

    Other Useful Podcast Episodes

    Ep065: Dr Amy Izycky – Encouraging Mentally Healthy Cultures in Sport

    Ep075: Grant Phyphers – How to Rebuild Your Identity

    Ep113: Polly Brennan – The Relationship Between Mental Fitness, Mental Health and Mental Toughness

    Ep114: Tim Bradshaw – Because I Can – How To Get Out Of Your Own Way

    Ep123: Richard Dorney – What Can You Learn About Resilience From The Military

    Other Useful Resources linked to Mental Health

    Blog – 5 Ways to Create a Psychological Safe Sporting Environment

    Blog – 3 Tips to Deal with Bullying in Sport

    Blog – How to Find Your Why 

    Blog – Mental Health Guidance for Coaches When Supporting Athletes

    IF YOU ENJOYED TODAY'S SHOW PLEASE SHARE

    SUBSCRIBE AND LISTEN ON YOUR FAVOURITE AUDIO PLATFORM

    Also, kindly consider taking the 60-seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes, they’re extremely helpful when it comes to the ranking of the show and we read every single one of them!

    David Charlton

    Best Wishes 

    David Charlton

    Global Sports Psychologist who is located near Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK and willing to travel Internationally.  David also uses online video conferencing software (Zoom, Facetime, WhatsApp) on a regular basis and has clients who he has supported in USA, Canada, South America, UAE, Australian and New Zealand.  

    Managing Director – Inspiring Sporting Excellence and Founder of The Sports Psychology Hub.  With over 10 years experience supporting athletes, coaches, parents and teams to achieve their goals, quickly. 

    T: +44 7734 697769

    E: [email protected]

    Search Our Sports Psychology Website

    Popular Categories

    Join Our Online Community Now!

    Mental Edge Newsletter

    Are you an athlete, coach or parent that would like to learn how to create sustainable high performance? Receive our free regular newsletter, where we share proven mental toughness and high performance tips and strategies. If you want some support and motivation straight to your inbox, then sign up below.

      We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

      The Application of Mental Toughness Training in Elite Professional Rugby League

      Paul Trainor

      The Application of Mental Toughness Training in Elite Professional Rugby League

      Paul Trainor

      Paul Trainor is the Managing Director of Positive Synergy Ltd, who works with individuals and organisations to business, sport and education to develop their performance through building mental toughness, developing high performing teams, enhancing leadership and creating a powerful identity and culture.  Paul is also a Director of Super League team, Salford Red Devils Rugby League Club. He is an experienced leader in a range of sectors, having worked in senior leadership roles in education, elite sport and business. Paul is also a former professional Rugby League player.

      In episode #127 I chat with fellow Mental Toughness Licensee, Paul Trainor.  Paul is a former professional rugby league player, currently a director for Super League team, Salford Red Devils Rugby League Club and a director for Positive Synergy.

      We go on to discuss Mental Toughness in professional rugby league, how Mental Toughness applies to his current role as a director. We also touch on his consultancy work.  If you’re looking to learn more about Mental Toughness, the 4 C’s model and its application, this is a great podcast episode to listen too.

      Key Learning Points:

      • The definition of mental toughness has changed over the years in Rugby where it was more about bravado, not being seen to be injured, seeing how many knocks you could get through to now where it is viewed as the ability to respond well to challenges that we face in the game, to be fully prepared for the challenges, to have trust in the process and to be able to take risks.
      • When injured it’s very important as a player to be honest with yourself and others around you.
      • Salford Red Devils reached the Super League Grand Final in 2019 and pride ourselves on the way as a club, both on and off the field that we approach what we do. We have a very strong culture of maximising everything you’ve got whether it be players on the field or the resources we’ve got off the field.
      • I lead on building future strategy, which looks at developing the next generation of Salford Red Devils players and leaving a legacy in different areas of work. We go into schools and community clubs and are not only concerned about rugby, but we’re also doing work around mental toughness, raising achievement and positive mental health.
      • Mental toughness is a crucial life skill that we help develop in youngsters.
      • Everyone plays a key role in creating culture and the key behaviours that are expected from people.   

      Connect with Paul Trainor

      Twitter

      LinkedIn 

      Connect with David Charlton

      Download THE FOCUSED ATHLETE CHECKLIST

      Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub

      Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn

      To Listen to Rugby Orientated Podcast Episodes

      Ep21: Steve Hackney – How to Reach Your Full Potential

      Ep29: Lome Faatau – How to Play Professional Rugby with Confidence 

      Ep038: Taz Bricknell – Playing Professional Women’s Rugby 

      Ep039: John Fletcher – How to Develop Fearless Athletes

      Ep104: Seb De Chaves – The Psychological Demands of Elite Professional Rugby

      Helpful Rugby Orientated Resources

      Blog – How To Play Well When You Aren’t Feeling Great

      Case Study – Supporting a Professional Rugby Player Rehabilitating from Injury

      Blog – 3 Tips for Playing with Confidence Under Pressure

      Blog – 5 Ways to Create a Psychological Safe Sporting Environment

      Rugby Psychology | Mental Skills for Rugby Resources 

      IF YOU ENJOYED TODAY'S SHOW PLEASE SHARE

      SUBSCRIBE AND LISTEN ON YOUR FAVOURITE AUDIO PLATFORM

      Also, kindly consider taking the 60-seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes, they’re extremely helpful when it comes to the ranking of the show and we read every single one of them!

      David Charlton

      Best Wishes 

      David Charlton

      Global Sports Psychologist who is located near Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK and willing to travel Internationally.  David also uses online video conferencing software (Zoom, Facetime, WhatsApp) on a regular basis and has clients who he has supported in USA, Canada, South America, UAE, Australian and New Zealand.  

      Managing Director – Inspiring Sporting Excellence and Founder of The Sports Psychology Hub.  With over 10 years experience supporting athletes, coaches, parents and teams to achieve their goals, quickly. 

      T: +44 7734 697769

      E: [email protected]

      Search Our Sports Psychology Website

      Popular Categories

      Join Our Online Community Now!

      Mental Edge Newsletter

      Are you an athlete, coach or parent that would like to learn how to create sustainable high performance? Receive our free regular newsletter, where we share proven mental toughness and high performance tips and strategies. If you want some support and motivation straight to your inbox, then sign up below.

        We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

        What Can You Learn About Resilience From The Military

        Richard Dorney

        Supporting People: What Can You Learn About Resilience From The Military

        Richard Dorney

        Richard Dorney served in the British Army as an infantry soldier and as an officer for almost 39 years. He served in Northern Ireland (6 tours) the liberation of Kuwait in 1991, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. He was responsible for establishing the British Army Trauma Risk Management programme which he rolled out across the Army. He was the Chief of Staff in the Army Recovery Capability, the organisation responsible for managing the recovery of wounded injured and sick personnel. 

        Richard is a graduate of the UK Intermediate Command and Staff College. He is the Director of Strongmind Resiliency Training, a company that works to improve mental health support trauma management and resilience mainly in public sector organisations exposed to stress and trauma. Richard and his team worked to train and support UK healthcare professionals during the pandemic and many other first response organisations. He holds an MSc in War and Psychiatry from Kings College London, was made MBE in 2008 and was admitted to the Order of St John of Jerusalem. 

        In today’s episode I speak to Richard Dorney MBE.  Richard served in the military for almost 39 years and has a wealth of experience in dealing with high stress situations.  He’s now the Director of Strongmind Resiliency Training, a company that works to improve mental health support, trauma management and resilience mainly in public sector organisations exposed to stress and trauma.  Richard goes on to share his background and lessons that he’s learned.  We discuss resilience development and leadership in the military, Trauma risk management (TRIM) in the military and in healthcare and corporate settings.  

        Key Learning Points:

        • Resilience is not innate, it isn’t just something you have, you can develop it.
        • The mission comes first in the military.
        • There is a focus on the preservation of quality, power and capability. The military does very well in understanding it’s people and their capabilities.
        • Leadership in the military is very good, they invest a great deal of time and effort training leaders at every stage of their leadership development.
        • Peer support is a vital component when dealing with Trauma.
        • A strong mind is about mental resilience, robustness, thinking, attitude and behaviour. 
        • A fundamental key of a strong mind is self-awareness.
        • Psychologically informed, empathetic and compassionate leadership is vital when managing people.

        Connect with Richard Dorney MBE

        LinkedIn

        Website 

        Connect with David Charlton

        Download THE FOCUSED ATHLETE CHECKLIST

        Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub

        Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn

        Other Useful Podcast Episodes

        Ep065: Dr Amy Izycky – Encouraging Mentally Healthy Cultures in Sport

        Ep066: Marilyn Okoro – Mental Health and Resilience: Lessons from an Olympic Medalist

        Ep075: Grant Phyphers – How to Rebuild Your Identity

        Ep113: Polly Brennan – The Relationship Between Mental Fitness, Mental Health and Mental Toughness

        Ep114: Tim Bradshaw – Because I Can – How To Get Out Of Your Own Way 

        Other Useful Resources linked to Mental Health

        Blog – 5 Ways to Create a Psychological Safe Sporting Environment

        Blog – 3 Tips to Deal with Bullying in Sport

        Blog – How to Find Your Why 

        Blog – Mental Health Guidance for Coaches When Supporting Athletes

        IF YOU ENJOYED TODAY'S SHOW PLEASE SHARE

        SUBSCRIBE AND LISTEN ON YOUR FAVOURITE AUDIO PLATFORM

        Also, kindly consider taking the 60-seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes, they’re extremely helpful when it comes to the ranking of the show and we read every single one of them!

        David Charlton

        Best Wishes 

        David Charlton

        Global Sports Psychologist who is located near Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK and willing to travel Internationally.  David also uses online video conferencing software (Zoom, Facetime, WhatsApp) on a regular basis and has clients who he has supported in USA, Canada, South America, UAE, Australian and New Zealand.  

        Managing Director – Inspiring Sporting Excellence and Founder of The Sports Psychology Hub.  With over 10 years experience supporting athletes, coaches, parents and teams to achieve their goals, quickly. 

        T: +44 7734 697769

        E: [email protected]

        Search Our Sports Psychology Website

        Popular Categories

        Join Our Online Community Now!

        Mental Edge Newsletter

        Are you an athlete, coach or parent that would like to learn how to create sustainable high performance? Receive our free regular newsletter, where we share proven mental toughness and high performance tips and strategies. If you want some support and motivation straight to your inbox, then sign up below.

          We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

          What Is New? Developments in Mental Toughness Research and Practice

          Doug Strycharczyk and Dr John Perry

          What Is New? Developments in Mental Toughness Research and Practice

          Doug Strycharczyk and Dr John Perry

          Doug Strycharczyk is viewed as a rock star in the Mental Toughness world.  He has pioneered the application of the mental toughness to a wide variety of sectors.   He’s seen as one of the leading authorities worldwide on the application of the 4Cs Mental Toughness model, Doug works in the Occupational, Educational, Social Work, Sports and Health settings in more than 80 countries.  

          He’s the CEO for AQR International and an experienced author who has contributed to a number of books that look at developing mental toughness and resilience with individuals and at an organisational level, with youngsters through to leaders. The development of psychometric tests are also a feature of Doug’s work.

          Doug Strycharczyk Books: Developing Mental Toughness, Developing Employability and Enterprise, Developing Resilient Organisations, Developing Mental Toughness in Young People.

          –––––

          Dr John Perry is Head of Psychology at Mary Immaculate College in Ireland. For several years John has been a core member of the AQR International team which has continued the development of the mental toughness concept and has been central to the work carried out establishing the reliability of the concept. John has published many papers on Mental Toughness often in collaboration with Peter Clough and Kostas Papageorgiou.

          John has also led the exploration of specific aspects of Mental Toughness and a variety of applications – including new insights into understanding stress management all of which have direct implication for practitioners.

          Today marks a landmark in the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast where the show has been running for 2 years without missing a week.  As a result, 2 very special guests and pioneers in the field Doug Strycharczyk and Dr John Perry join me.  Together we discuss the third edition of their book alongside Professor Peter Clough, Developing Mental Toughness, we chat about new developments to the 4C’s Mental Toughness model.  Doug and John also share their thoughts on where research and practice is heading sharing insights into Mental Toughness and its relationships with innovation, trust and Mental Health.

          Key Learning Points:

          • The development of the eight factors in the four Cs Mental Toughness model include the introduction of goal orientation, achievement orientation, risk orientation and learning orientation.
          • The eight factor framework for mental toughness has brought a new lens to understanding how other people behave.  We’ve been looking at things like trust, innovation, curiosity and more recently vulnerability.
          • Goal orientation is the extent to which you are likely to be motivated by targets.
          • Achievement orientation is the extent to which you make sure that you stick in to meet that target or goal.
          • Learning orientation links to the question – do you keep making the same mistakes?
          • In sport a lot of people struggle with reflection and repeating mistakes.  Age may have something to do with this.
          • There is potential for developing some really interesting solutions for lots of people through the Mental Toughness lens moving forwards.
          • The 4C’s model is sufficiently complex, in that it represents people and the future is very exciting where we have many options to continue on the great work already done.

          Connect with Dr John Perry:

          Twitter: @johnperry81

          Email: [email protected]

          Connect with Doug Strycharczyk:

          LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougstrycharczyk/

          Email: [email protected]

          https://aqrinternational.co.uk/

          Connect with David Charlton

          Download THE FOCUSED ATHLETE CHECKLIST

          Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub

          Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn

          To Listen to the Full Podcast Episodes

          Ep001: Doug Strycharczyk – The Importance of Mental Toughness

          Ep028: Peter Clough MBE – Why is Mental Toughness Important?

          Ep035: Dr John Perry – Thrive, Don’t Just Survive 2021

          Ep050: Doug Strycharczyk, Peter Clough MBE & Dr John Perry – Mental Strength Does Not Guarantee Success 

          Ep109: Maria Jeffers – How to master the mental side of horse riding

          Other Useful Resources

          5 Reasons team captains should work with a Sports Psychologist

          Blog – Mental-Toughness is a Hugely Valuable Trait

          Blog – Make Better Decisions to Help Your Sport Performance

          Blog – 5 Ways to Create a Psychological Safe Sporting Environment

           

          IF YOU ENJOYED TODAY'S SHOW PLEASE SHARE

          SUBSCRIBE AND LISTEN ON YOUR FAVOURITE AUDIO PLATFORM

          Also, kindly consider taking the 60-seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes, they’re extremely helpful when it comes to the ranking of the show and we read every single one of them!

          David Charlton

          Best Wishes 

          David Charlton

          Global Sports Psychologist who is located near Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK and willing to travel Internationally.  David also uses online video conferencing software (Zoom, Facetime, WhatsApp) on a regular basis and has clients who he has supported in USA, Canada, South America, UAE, Australian and New Zealand.  

          Managing Director – Inspiring Sporting Excellence and Founder of The Sports Psychology Hub.  With over 10 years experience supporting athletes, coaches, parents and teams to achieve their goals, quickly.     

          T: +44 7734 697769

          E: [email protected]

          Search Our Sports Psychology Website

          Popular Categories

          Join Our Online Community Now!

          Mental Edge Newsletter

          Are you an athlete, coach or parent that would like to learn how to create sustainable high performance? Receive our free regular newsletter, where we share proven mental toughness and high performance tips and strategies. If you want some support and motivation straight to your inbox, then sign up below.

            We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

            Sport Coach Development: Helping Athletes Perform Better by Adapting How You Communicate

            David Charlton

            Sport Coach Development: Helping Athletes Perform Better by Adapting How You Communicate By working with David Charlton, you and your organisation will be better equipped to rise to modern day challenges and better informed to thrive on and off the pitch, course or court.  Where he inspires individuals and teams to: Cope with pressure and challenges

            Do You Know Your Why?

            the demystifying mental toughness episode 98 by david charlton with Jon Bartlett

            Do You Know Your Why? Jon Bartlett is a high performance sport professional who has a passion for inspiring others and effecting positive change.  He possesses extensive experience in providing leadership and performance support to teams, coaches, athletes and staff across the globe, and has developed a collaborative, empowering, innovative and strategic approach that is

            Mental Toughness and The Leaders Mind

            Mental Toughness and The Leaders Mind Dr Jim Afremow Dr. Jim Afremow is a much sought-after mental skills coach, licensed professional counselor, and the author of The Champion’s Mind: How Great Athletes Think, Train and Thrive (Rodale, 2014), The Champion’s Comeback: How Great Athletes Recover, Reflect, and Reignite (Rodale, 2016) , and The Young Champion’s Mind: How to Think, Train, and