TODAY we are going to talk about something that I’ve only recently realised the importance of. We already know that playing sports can benefit our physical health but have you stopped to think about the mental and social benefits? These outweigh the physical ones and are vital to our overall well-being. Any kind of sport teaches individuals (especially children) extremely important and valuable life skills.

First of all – what is a sport?
It is any physical activity that involves skill, competition and entertainment is considered a sport.
There are many different kinds, with the major distinction of individual sports, group sports or both. Examples are cycling/ weightlifting, cricket/football or swimming/running respectively.

Sports- whether team or individual increase concentration, mood and confidence, while reducing stress,anxiety and the risk of suicide. It provides us with motivation, strength, pride and self-confidence/esteem. Those who play sports require and display constant commitment, determination and patience. Very few people are what they call ‘naturals’ and excel at a sport right away. Most of us need time to develop the skill. This also requires discipline. Those who engage in sporting activities live a healthier lifestyle in general – they eat and sleep better, are less likely to use alcohol or any illegal drugs, and are less likely to be involved in unwanted or teenage pregnancies. I believe that sports (especially in Guyana) are a major deterrent from drug use.

If playing sports begins at a young age, there are a multitude of benefits. A positive self-image as well as built in networks of supporters (teammates, captains, coaches, managers etc.) will evolve at a young age. The adolescent develops healthy feelings of accomplishment and accountability. Furthermore, many student athletes do better in academics than non- athletes. It seems like it would be the opposite but research shows that sports require constant attention, learning, understanding, memorising and repetition – all of which are needed to excel in school work. When the students already possess these qualities, it is easy to simply transfer them from on the field to off. I know that our community is big on ‘extra lessons’ and I know some children do really need it. However, my research shows that getting them involved in after-school sports may be more beneficial.

Sports will teach youth to respect authority- something that I believe is lacking within our community. Sports require following set rules, many different levels of authority, and accepting other people’s opinions and decisions. Many consequences come with insubordination and this teaches further discipline. These activities teach children to be less selfish. Everyone wants a turn and everyone wants to be the star but when on a team, each player knows that no matter how great the individual players are, if they do not work together as a team, a loss will occur every time. They learn to think about what’s best for the team and not only themselves.

I think two of the most important things that sports teach young adults are how to lose graciously and how to be resilient. At one point or another, everyone fails at something in life; everyone becomes frustrated and disappointed with themselves. This also pairs with learning to control emotions, which run high during sporting events. If you learn how to lose with integrity from a young age, it sets a tone for the healthy coping skills that you will have in the future.

It is beneficial to enrol your child in a sport from an early age as research shows that if the person begins at an early age, they are three times as likely to continue a healthy lifestyle throughout their adulthood.
The benefits can be broken down further, depending on the type of sport. For example, group sports particularly help with socialisation, competitiveness and leadership skills.

These skills further allow for learning, critical thinking/ problem solving, creativity and good judgement. When people learn to struggle, try, win or lose together, they understand the importance of team work and are more likely to be successful in a workplace. An important lesson is also the communication and teamwork that comes with being on a sports team.
Although sporting activities are different from basic exercise, sports do also release the positive endorphins that promote and increase energy, feelings of euphoria and reduces stress. They can actually treat mental health. If there is mild depression, the physical exertion that comes along with sports can have more of an effect on the individual than some anti-depressant medication.

If you believe that children cannot play a sport because they already have a mental illness/disorder, I am happy to say that is incorrect. You see, those with mental illnesses have a higher risk of developing physical health problems such as heart or respiratory diseases. They are more likely to have a poor diet, poor sleeping patterns, and alcohol/drug abuse while being less likely to exercise than the general population. Of course, physical health issues then increase the chances of mental health ones such as anxiety and depression. Playing sports and subsequently gaining its benefits, can drastically improve their quality and length of life. Needless to say, this will also challenge or completely put an end to the stigma/discrimination attached to mental health and sports.

Generally, sporting activities are forms of self-care as it is taking time out, doing something just for you. I feel you know already know the importance of self-care in mental health. There are a lot of options available within our community. We have football, cricket, hockey, squash, table tennis, long tennis, karate etc. – find what works for you.

Are you not playing a sport right now and are not even sure where to start? No problem. I believe that the first day is always the hardest. Choose a sport that you really enjoy – one that makes you happy when you think of playing it. Be realistic in the time frame of mastering it, It takes a long time to improve in a sport- be patient and don’t give up.

Thank you for reading and please send in any topics to caitlinvieira@gmail.com. Also please remember when you can come see me.

Georgetown Public Hospital: Monday- Friday – 8am- 12pm
Woodlands Hospital: Outpatient Department
Drug and Alcohol group meetings – Mondays 4:00pm
Good mental health group meetings- Wednesdays 4:00pm

Suicide Prevention Helpline Numbers: 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896
Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!