A friend in need
Mental health may, thankfully, be easier to talk about these days, but it’s still not always well-understood, particularly in the equine industry. Daisy shares how you can reach out to those who need it most
It goes without saying that in recent years, the conversation around mental health has opened up. People from every walk of life have worked tirelessly to begin breaking down barriers and stop the stigma surrounding the subject. In theory, getting help when you need it is easier than ever before.
But with that being said, reaching out isn’t as simple as it sounds. Many people continue in silence, scared to seek support due to feelings of shame or worry they’ll be judged. That’s why it’s your responsibility to become familiar with any hints that someone at your yard, a friend or family member might be struggling. But even if you were able to spot the signs, would you know what to do to help them? By getting clued up now, you can make a difference when it matters.
Our expert
Daisy Smith is a confidence coach, presenter and writer. She writes award-winning blog How Very Horsey, runs regular rider confidence courses and is an ambassador for Intelligent Horsemanship.
Photos: Bob Atkins
TOP TIP
As well as your GP, there are plenty of helplines available if you or anyone you know is suffering from mental health problems. Sometimes just being able to talk to someone outside your circle can be a great way to gain some perspective.
What to look for
One of the most common ways people tend to tackle low feelings is to simply not deal with them. Reaching out and seeking help is incredibly difficult, and there are often underlying beliefs that those who really care will notice regardless. This makes the situation trickier to address, but that’s why it’s important we all work to better calibrate our radars and take time to learn what to look out for.