Yardley’s blindside flanker Mike Blackwood has given an insight into his off-field battles with his mental health.
Speaking at the Birmingham Movember Charity Ball, the 21-year-old discussed how rugby has become a support pillar in his life but still has his low days as he continues to fight for mental stability.
“I was lost without rugby. I left the game for four years through a knee injury that I was too lazy to rehabilitate and I could never fill the hole that it left behind, severely affecting my mental health.
“However, since moving to Birmingham I’ve since rediscovered my passion to play the sport I love and alongside an intense gym schedule, I’m now physically strong enough to play for both my university and Yardley RFC."
Blackwood has rediscovered his passion for rugby at Yardley RFC. Photo: Blackwood’s Instagram Account.
The event takes place annually to raise money for the Movember Foundation, spreading awareness of men’s health issues and supporting those struggling to open up and share their experiences.
The Welshman said: “It’s an important night for me as it focusses on the demon I’ve been battling for so long.
“I still get days where I’m so deflated and can’t find a reason to continue, it’s these moments I find the hardest.
"It takes me a while to dig myself out of these holes, especially during the Covid lockdown period, it felt like a never-ending cycle.
"With rugby, I find a release where I can focus on supporting my teammates in getting the result we need.
"I’ve also found reassurance reading about professional rugby players who have suffered similar problems, in particular Joe Marler and his ‘Big Boys Don’t Cry’ documentary.
“Seeing one of the best players in the sport tackle mental health shows that I’m not alone and gives me hope things will improve.”
The Sky Sports report follows Marler on a journey to discover ways in which he can fix his mental health issues.
The England International looks for answers to explain his depression but instead finds various people who show him ways in which he can ease his pain and stress.
The documentary was found to be beneficial to Blackwood, who said: “The scene where Joe takes the plunge in one of Snowdonia’s lakes and finds comfort in the wintery conditions, that feels so relevant to me.
Blackwood believes the "Welsh waters to be like magic." Photo: Blackwood's Instagram Account.
“I’m from the Valley’s myself and have often thought the Welsh waters to be like magic.
"I’ve swam in those lakes from a young age and have always felt so relaxed and focussed afterwards.
“To see this practised by one of my rugby heroes as a method to boost mental health gives me motivation to keep fighting and believe that I will beat this illness.”
In England, a common mental health problem affects around one in eight men, with three times as many men as women committing suicide.
Whilst Movember fund raising occurs throughout the month of November, Samaritans offer a helpline all year round and are available to discuss all mental health issues, free of charge, on 116 123.
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