GOLF // MY Mental Health Aid
Вставка
- Опубліковано 27 лип 2024
- A totally different vlog from me this time as it’s for #MentalHealthFirstAidWeek . This year the theme is on #kindness . “kindness to myself” is in the form of going to the golf course. A place of peacefulness where I am subconsciously getting away or rid of the pressures and issues I’ve had during that day.
Golf has been instrumental in my rehabilitation not only physically but also on a mental spectrum.
Within my job, I’m a Mental Health First Aid volunteer. A role I find personally very satisfying. To know I can signpost colleagues to gain the help they may need, even if it’s just lending an ear to listen to their problems is often help enough.
I’ve dealt with mental health issues for 14 years, which some know of, but many do not. Nor do they know how bad it got.
Within this vlog I go into how a co-worker inspired me to be open about these problems, discuss how pressure affects us all differently, how we all need to be mindful of ourselves to recognise our own “happy place”, be mindful of others and how it took a promise to help me come back from a place of no return. Remember #itsOkayToNotBeOkay
Hi Rob, The world is certainly better with you. After watching this, you highlighted some fantastic points that I wish businesses and the government would only do more on. I know what you have been through and I felt completely the same way. I have Asperger's Syndrome (Autism spectrum) and Golf is one of my release valves (Fishing with my dad is the other.) This year has been real hard on my mental state with first the lock-down for 4 months, my job under threat, and now my city council proposing to close my local municipal course which has been around for 110 years which I have played for the last seven or so years and feel my heart is in the course. It has become a little too much for me at times. Like yourself I have good work friends and a good close nit family who do support me. stay strong bud and good golf for the rest of the season :)
My friend I can relate - my nephew has Asperger’s, so I know if the condition well and that no medication can help it. Golf is such a great leveller for it and really does help as too is fishing, which you already do. Lock down has really affected people. It’s sounds daft but I’ve been one of the lucky ones. I was in lockdown for 6 months filling my vehicle incident and couldn’t go anywhere without a chaperone. So it really hasn’t bothered me too much.
My friend, I’m happy to listen any time you’re struggling. Thank you for the kind words and stay safe in this difficult time 👍🏻
thank you rob, you're a good man. i too have issues despite having a great life overall, thank you for sharing and you have a great golf swing too. cheers from texas
Thanks my friend. I probably need to remake this as I did it off the cuff and wasn’t structured too well, and I didn’t cover all I wanted too. So stay tuned and you may see a different one coming on the channel at some point.
Thanks for the kind works though my friend. Stay safe and look after yourself.
Thanks Rob, the blog is obviously very personal but you share some great advice that will undoubtedly help many people. 👍
I hope so Martin.
I salute you sir.I’ve had my fair share of dark thoughts over the last three months with a debilitating back injury.I thought the world was ending at the height of my injury.I’m getting on the right road now and cannot wait to start striking a ball again.I found your words extremely moving.we all have something to live for no matter how bad.👏👏
Hiya Shane.
I still suffer from back pain, but I’m lucky that I have a top physio and the TPI work I do, by Titleist really helps.
Currently I’m injured again but this time with two tears to my meniscus in the left knee. So I’ve been out of action since Sept. A set back I didn’t need and one that’s really effected me, because I know this is a slippery slope to repetitive work being needed on my knee, in years to come. Literally over golfed.
Always here for a chat, pal 👍🏻
@@robpottergolf thank you mate that means a lot. I hope you get sorted and get back out on the fairways soon. Look forward to more content on your channel when your fixed up👍
Loved the video! Great share. Really cool of you to open up like this!
Thanks Connor, that really means a lot.
I support your video Rob, sending good vibes from the US!
Thanks Marselo. That means a lot 👍🏻
You are a angel for doing this video. I have always believed that it is the strong ones that admit that they need help. I have had issue since I was about 14yo, wanted to end it then. But one person I knew was there to show me life can be good. I now feel happiest and at ease on the golf course, not just because am there playing a game that I love but the serenity, the open spaces etc. Your saviour is your god daughter, mine is my puppies. No matter how down life gets you, we all have something, or someone that we have to stay around for. Hold your head high Rob as it takes alot of courage to do this video and it will help thousands of people just by knowing that they are not alone
Hey Rohan. Thank you so much for feeling comfortable to comment what you have. That really does mean a lot to me. We all have that happy place and I really do believe that. But I know how hard it can get. It’s great to know you’re comfortable and happy. Thank you so much for your kind words, my friend 👍🏻
I’m with you totally Rob. My happy place has always been the Golf Course. A while back I spent 10 years 24/7 looking after my wife who had MS. When I could and when her health allowed I got out on the Golf Course, it was my saviour. I got in a lot of dark places and spent a lot of time staring at 4 walls, but Golf helped bring me back to the light. It is “My Place” Good game or Bad. Well done for talking about your Mental Health Issues, helps I know but can be hard..🤜
Hey Andy. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. MS is horrible! I feel for you and your wife dealing with that. It can’t be easy at all! Golf really did help save me and continues to do so.
Top job buddy.. important message and power to you for your raw honesty.. stay safe mate 👍🏼
Ps. Swinging it well as well 👍🏼
Cheers kiddo. Means a lot does that 👍🏻
Rob , this video has to be the best UA-cam video ever . I think the help it will give people and myself is unreal . Top bloke for the video and thank you.
Thank you Robert. That’s such a kind thing to say. If you feel it’ll help others, please feel free to share it across your social media platforms. The more people who can see it, the more it may help. Thanks for getting in touch
Great video mate👍🏻
Thanks Jamie
Rob take my hat off to you I've gone through mental issues over the years and along with taking myself on holiday abroad i can only clear my head and think positive if i visit the golf course. Loved watching this video i can totally relate to where i have been mentally over the years.
Top man stand tall stay positive and play good golf Rob
I’m with you there Darren. I went to Tome on my own in 2003. To be fair that was probably the start of some of my problems, which led me to going there. But now I have a strong pull to the city. Not for religious reasons but for peace. Ive been back twice since then. The last for the 10th anniversary of my RTC and to light a candle of remembrance for my customer who sadly died in the crash. The sadness got turned that night and a more positive memory was created, as my now wife proposed to me over dinner that night. Thank you so much for getting in touch my friend. Golf really can be a massive help for MHFA
Robbo, thanks mate! You’re not alone! I’m bi-polar and have always found solace and love on the golf course! My fortresses of solitude! Thanks again for sharing your beautiful story! Love you mate
Hey Louis! I’m so glad you have a quiet place for your mind to chill out. Bi-polar can be one of the most challenging ones there is, within the mental health spectrum. I’ve a few friends who have it and struggle, especially if there is a delay in receiving their meds! Good on you buddy and thank you so much for reaching out 👍🏻
Totally understand so much of this my friend... so many of us have had similar issues in our lives, ok not always similar but the reactions to our own worlds and how curve balls are thrown at us in life are very much the same. My life has been a full on rollercoaster, mentally, as you know. and i thank you for discussing your feelings in this open manner. time for the stigma of mental illness to be removed from society once and for all. Whatever illness we have, and it is an illness, we just want to live our lives to the full. ALWAYS BE KIND... TO OTHERS AND OURSELVES.
Cheers John! Thank you for commenting my friend, it means a lot. I know you’ve struggled and still do, but we bounce back, don’t we? It’s not always darkness and we must remember that
I couldn't agree more Rob the golf course is also a happy place for me. You have some guts and are so brave to tell this story as there are many people who keep it all bottled up. I'm so pleased you are on top of this and moving on with your life with the support of the people who care about you. I would just like to add that I have had O C D all my life and know that sometimes when its bad its bad. I sort some help last year and its gave me something to work on and the only reason why I asked for help was because it affected my game so much I had a mental block when gripping the club and walked off the course a couple of times and didn't return until weeks later. I can relate to the demons in the mind and you have come through mate when many don't so keep moving forward all the best.
Thanks for those kind words Nic. I’m glad to read golf is of help to you. She can be a cruel lady at times but she always makes you want more, eh?
Hi Rob. I had a breakdown, for no known reason, towards the end of 2017. I’d been a teacher for 11 years, loved the job, I mean really loved the job. I couldn’t cope with the fact that I had stopped loving it. I was angry, I couldn’t understand what was ‘wrong’ with me. I became very angry with myself and just struggled for a long time.
I had counselling for 9 months and that helped so much. I came out of teaching and my life started to turn around. I’m now back in schools, but teaching PE. I love it. Thanks for sharing all this. It’s so important to share. Take care.
It’s not a nice place to be, is it? I lost a customer in the road traffic collision I had, and I blamed myself for it, because I couldnt do more for them. Nothing I could do as a third party stuck us both which led to the crash. My anger towards myself was unprecedented but then my anger turned to the third party but I had no outlet towards them. It was mentally painful
Rob Potter Golf that’s awful. Can’t imagine how to deal with that. I think I became frustrated because I hadn’t had anything like that happen. I struggled for a longtime to come to terms with the fact that I probably never know what has caused it.
F awesome, Rob. Thanks for vloging it. Big time.
Thanks Fernando
Fair play to you Rob. Great video. Thank you for making it
Thanks Jamie 👍🏻
Rob loved this vlog mate! You know where I stand on this topic. This has inspired me to to tell my story.
If it helps you mate, that’s all I want. Always here for you
Fantastic video Rob
Thanks Ryan 👍🏻
Yep my happy place too.
Stress relief. Forget work. Only place to be any course will do
A bad day in the golf course can be a good day in any other life situation, can’t it, Mark? Thanks for getting in touch buddy 👍🏻
Well said Rob, unfortunately we lost one of my golfmates this year, he was unreachable, took his life , so so sad, people just dont understand how tough it can be sometimes, keep safe, regards Golfmate, Fraser
I’m so sorry to hear that mate. I truly am! 😔
@@robpottergolf I put your video up on our clubsite, mentioned "Lee" and asked people to watch and try to understand why things happened, your vlog helped a lot, cheers mate!!
Awesome video rob keep up the good work
Cheers Jon
Great video keep you head up and enjoy you self.😇😇😇
Hiya Neil. Thanks for getting in touch. I’m pleased you like it 👍🏻 I’m in a better place now, so it’s all good 👍🏻
Totally inspiring rob
Cheers
Great video mate. Great advice for everyone. Stay safe mate
Cheers bud
Sometimes it's the people that have been through stuff that can reach out and help more than people with qualifications. Don't get me wrong, they do invaluable work, but just sometimes it's nice to talk to someone who 'gets it'.
Our company has recently started a great initiative with a group called 'Talk Out'. They also have a section called MenTalk2. Found it really helpful. Keep you chin up and keep going to your happy place! ;o)
Thank you, my friend. I’m a Mental Health First Aid volunteer at my place if work. I’m just happy to be there so I can listen and signpost friends and colleagues to get better help.
We do ‘Time to Talk” in our work place.
Stay safe buddy 👍🏻
@@robpottergolf Thanks - we are trying! Working from home has it's benefits (and downsides) but keeping in touch with colleagues helps mitigate the downsides! Although sometimes I do want to swing for my hubby - especially as we both work for the same company! Thankfully we have 3 floors so we can keep our distance when we need to!
Keep smiling!
Hi Rob I have total Respect to you for having the courage to come out and talk about a subject that we all fear about my son committed suicide through mental health issues so I’m so Please see that you are coping well Absolutely love your vlogs
I’m so sorry to hear of you loss Alec. That must be so difficult for you and your family. ❤️
Absolute and total credit to you for doing a vlog that is a tough one to talk about. My wife has suffered mental health so totally get it. Even though I have never met you personally Dobby I feel like I know you through watching your videos. If I am ever up near Sale Golf Club I shall contact you. Likewise mate if you near Forest Pines in Lincs where I am member drop me a message.
That’d be brilliant mate. Thank you for your kind words. I live with it not only through myself but my wife also. So it is challenging. I totally get where you’re coming from.
Top vlog mate, great topic and hope your ok 💙
Better than I’ve been for some times mate ❤️
Well done Rob, best video I've seen in ages! Swing looking smooth 🏌️♂️#mot
Cheers Mark. If you’d have seen me swing it in Thursday you wouldn’t have said that. I was Captain Hozzle Rocket 😂😂😂
Great video Rob. I’ve suffered myself, still do, but a good support network is vital although sometimes you think you’re putting too much pressure on them. Sale is looking excellent, almost as good as my club Pleasington 😄. Let me know if you ever fancy a knock. Thanks again mate.
Mate, I’d love a knock around Pleasington! I caddied there about 7yr ago for Jack Brooks and we won. So I’ve happy memories, but yet to play it. Always here for a batter if you need a friendly ear?
Rob, What an incredibly brave and inspiring video you have my ultimate respect. May your "Happy place"eventually lead you to Cat 1. Always look after your "Little Angel" and she will look after you. As for that "troll" maybe The Equaliser can help.
Hiya Rob. Thank you for your kind words, my friend. They really do mean a lot. Fingers crossed for the Cat 1, eh? As for the troll, I’ll be dealing with that tomorrow and Monday through the relevant channels (golf course owners) and my solicitor.
Rob potter fair play to you mate, top class, takes a lot to post a video like that, I take my hat off to you, respect ✊
Cheers Aidan 👍🏻
Great vlog Rob not many people talk about this keep going mate
Cheers Darren 👍🏻
Hi Rob. Great vlog here mate. I'll start by saying I know you're driven to succeed. So glad you got to single figures, i know it meant a lot, because I too got tbere last year. I've always thought out of 100 random people, I'd always be in the top 50 no matter what, that taught me to go easy on myself. But like you, my life took a turn for the worse. I don't mention this much, it puts people off, it's a very uncomfortable thing... but some times it comes out. 10 years ago, my wife and I received news, whilst on holiday in Lanzarote, our eldest son , at 26, died when a car collided with him on his motorbike. He was to be married that year, he was on his way home after football training. We flew home, went though this nightmare. I had 6 months off, hit the bottle. Later that year, I almost died, collapsed in an Oxford service stop. 10 more minutes I would have, I was bleeding from an ulcer for a week. My poor wife and other son needed me, almost lost me. She said after Jamie died, "We need to build a different life now " she was right. Every day I wish I was dead, the pain of losing our son would stop. But Julie and Richard need me too. And I, like you, find inner peace with golf. I have to say, Liam and Golfmates saved my game, and me to some extent. Got to know about you, Shankers and everyone whom I met on Golfmate days. So I'd say, life is different now, make the best of that. I'm so glad your God daughter keeps you going, same here with my other lad Richard. Every day is tough, but like you, this coronavirus as bad as it is, well, I've been through worse. Stay positive mate, be dedicated, but go a bit easier on yourself some times. Shit happens we can't always control. We have to roll with it some times. Thanks for opening up, it helped me open up a bit too. I try not to meeting Golfmates, it's not the best conversation piece. But ok here I guess.
Well done again Rob, keep at it, but pat yourself on the back too mate. You deserve it.
Cheers
Oh my sweet god mate, I had no idea at all mate! I’m so so sorry! Look, let’s sort a knock out as soon as we can when this shizzle calms down. That way after the round I can shake your hand, give you a bloody big hug and buy you a pint! What do you say?
@@robpottergolf
Yeah, I'd like that mate thanks. We will sort it out.
Not many know, Liam does, a couple more Golfmates . It's like when you meet a couple on holiday, they ask you how many kids you have, it comes out, they sometimes cry. So you make it up you still have 2 to avoid their discomfort. Meeting people is supposed to be fun after all.
Thanks again mate, again, be proud of yourself, you should be !
Cheers Rob
Fantastic video Rob. Total respect to you for doing it mate and telling your story. Hopefully it will help alot of others to seek help also if need be and be able to speak out 👍👍
How awesome was this vlog Rob have total respect for you to have the courage to come out and talk about mental health I lost my son to suicide from this a big shout out to you hope you’re doing ok keep your vlogs coming absolutely love them
Thanks Lee. That truly means a lot. If it only helps one person, that’s enough for me 👍🏻
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss Alec. That has to be immeasurably painful for you and your family. I’m in a better place at the moment which is a good thing. I see that my “issues” are small to what others are experiencing right now, so it gives me a better perspective on things. Thank you so much for coming forward and sharing with me, what you have. Best wishes to you. I’ll try and get more vlogs out soon 👍🏻
Respect to you Rob
Thanks Graham 👍🏻
I hear you there Rob! My head fell off probably 20 years ago...going through it I learned lots about myself, seeing Psychologists and Counsellors. The biggest thing I learned...We are ALL crazy in some way or other...just some are more crazy than others.
People who have been through it, get it. The ones that say "pull yourself together" "man up" just don't!
If you get chance, search 'I had a Black Dog: His name was Depression' it's the best description of one of the mental illnesses I've ever seen. I saw it doing Mental Health Awareness Training with the Union.
The ULTIMATUM from work? You should have had a Steward in with you, Mental Health is a protected characteristic under The Equalities Act 2010 and they shouldn't have been threatening you with dismissal...that's obscene.
Good for you for sharing 👍
Hiya Kent. Thanks for reaching out to me. I did have a steward in with me, and too am formerly one. But at that moment and in that scenario it just didn’t appear to either of us. You live and learn, eh? I’ve seen the Black Dog production, it really is fantastic, isn’t it? I couldn’t agree more with what you’ve written. Thank you so much for reaching out
@@robpottergolf No worries fella. I wasn't the one strong enough to do a vlog about it...YOU WERE 👍
Shame about your Steward, I'm sure there's stuff I've missed when doing a disciplinary or appeal...In fact I know there is 😕
'Black Dog' explains Depression better than every other bit of training I've seen out there, for me, for others something else might work?
You mentioned being a Mental Health First Aider... The really great MHFA's are the ones who have actually had issues and can recognise it in others, normally in the eyes. You will be valuable to your Company and its employees as you get it, you understand the process and, it appears, have empathy and understanding of what can happen to others when they're suffering mental ill health. You've got personal experience that there is a way back and can pass that on, if, that feels right to you for who you're working with.
Every Company should be concerned about its Employees Mental Health and it's brilliant that yours recognised the need and put MHFA's in place. I only hope the training they are given is quality...because a lot of damage can be done by the do-gooder MHFA...those guys should either resign the position or direct the employee to MIND, Andys Man Club, Union literature...you should have 'packs' available to you or one of the myriad of other resources out there.
As I said, we're all broken in some way or other Rob. Some just deal with it better than others 👍
Totally away from Mental Health...that's a fine CoViD beard you're sporting 😉😉😉
Glad to see that you're getting everything sorted, Rob. It took a lot of courage to make this vlog. Get out to your "happy place" as often as possible.
I will do Joe. Thank you my friend 👍🏻
@@robpottergolf 👍
You are a good dude man
Thanks my friend
Great video Rob, I work for the same organisation as you and have used the help they offer a few years ago when I had some issues. If you ever fancy a round of golf would be more than happy to travel down to your club or you come up to mine. Keep smiling 👍🏻
Philip I’d love nothing more than to do that. Lob me an email in work and let’s get it sorted! The help we’ve got with the OH providers is really good, isn’t it?
RESPECT!
Thanks Bandit. How are you, good buddy?
@@robpottergolf, To be honest, I have been RAF for 2weeks. Felt as though I had been hit by a truck, pains everywhere and no energy. Just beginning to recover, but still very little energy. I still haven't hit a ball since the lockdown ended, but hoping to feel well enough next week
Swing looks solid mate looks much better
Thanks Dave
Hi Rob hope you are well It would be great to see a new blog from you mate even ibetter f it's with Liam take care lad
Hi Trevor. I’ve a few that still need editing, it’s just I’m a perfectionist and if I don’t like what I’ve filmed I don’t release it. Stupid but that’s what I’m like.
Liam is a busy guy and having me on his channel wouldn’t increase his views. So there’s no gain in it for him, I personally feel.
Hoi Rob hope you' and your family have had a lovely christmas dont be daft Liam hes a golf mate he just like you is a top bloke I'm sure he would love to make more blogs with you .I've been through some crap myself mate but there is light at the end of the tunnel if you ever fancy a chat I'm there mate for you or anyone else who need someone to chat too take care mate your a top bloke here's to 2021 🥂🏌️♂️
Great video mate 🏌🏼♂️
Thanks Graeme 👍🏻
Rob Potter Golf how did your first game back after lock down go?
Now I know 1 of the reasons you probly don't do golf vlogs all the time which is a shame as your definitely 1 of the most likeable golf dudes on UA-cam whatever shits going on keep your head up ,,rob all the best mate hope to see more vids soon 😉
Cheers for that buddy. Those are kind words. Motivation is big issue and knowing how I can be after a days work impacts on if I wanna film or what. On top of them trying to be creative and come up with original content. So much is repeated and at the end of the day I ain’t a Pro, or have access to a studio to do the type of vlogs I want. Manufacturers won’t touch me and I don’t blame them as “what’s in it for them?”. I’ve a few things planned but I need a launch monitor that does over all distance as well as carry distance
Well said ,one of my children has mental health issues so I understand how difficult it is to talk about.
Thanks Gary. It must be very challenging for you all to find coping strategies?
Rob Potter Golf yeah mate been coping with our daughters anorexia over 10 years and it’s a constant threat that never retreats
Hey rob how are you hope you are ok!
You are a cool person.
Thanks Nordan
Brilliant waffle Rob
Cheers Gary lol
Mate we all have our demons cheers to you for taking them on. The thing people need to know is they're not alone. Keep fighting and please promise no more Brazilian bikinis. Stay safe and healthy mate.
Hey Brian. Cheers for watching and leaving a comment, buddy. I’ll deffo keep fighting. My time isn’t up until I decide otherwise, that’s for certain and it’ll be on my terms 👍🏻 As for the Mankini, I’m sorry dude that’s a promise I’ll never make. I’m famous for them now, and well, you never know when it might appear once more 😉
By the way it’s Hugo
I’m ok thanks Hugo. I hope you’re looking after your family x