Pacific sports icon praises Mental Health Awareness Week

New Zealand rugby league great Ali Lautiti'iti says a little help can go a long way to reducing stress and improving mental well-being.

His comments come amid as Aotearoa marks Mental Health Awareness Week.

The Pacific sporting icon says it is an important reminder of mental well-being in communities.

It is a time to actively prioritise and nurture our mental health year-round, Lautiti'iti says.

The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi - With your food basket and mine, the people will flourish.

Lautiti'iti, the NZRL’s Wellbeing Officer, says this week is also an important reminder to “normalise” conversations around mental health.

“I think it’s important, mental, physical, and spiritual health. It’s trying to normalise mental health, it’s something you can’t really see.

“It’s important we do look after our mental health, the way we think about ourselves, think about others. We know the brain is the strongest muscle, so everything starts there.

“So, it’s important we look after our mental health as it directly relates to all other aspects of well-being.”

After a career spanning more than 400 professional matches, Lautitimoved into a well-being role at the New Zealand Rugby League.

Photo/NZ Warriors media.

Through voluntary work, the former Warriors’ star has a role with the club’s chaplaincy.

Lauiti'iti said for athletes in the NRL, mental health and well-being have become a prominent part of a player’s health.

“I think the NRL and rugby league, as a whole, has done an amazing job putting things in place to support our athletes. It’s not easy as the age is becoming younger who are coming into the professional realm.

“The NRL, NZRL and rugby league itself have put so much resources into it along with the RLPA.

“They see the importance of it, and if they see their wellbeing is not intact, they obviously can’t perform on their field.”

New data released early this month revealed that rugby union players have a high risk of alcohol and gambling addictions.

The study showed that addiction was higher among professional players.

Dr Phillip Borell, of Canterbury University, said the data also revealed problems off the field.

“I think that it’s indicative of some problems in rugby. Is it is it solely rugby? I'd be remiss to say that I think a lot of sports particularly at the higher level have a number of issues.”

There are already systems in place to help players deal with issues like gambling and alcohol abuse, he told Pacific Mornings’ William Terite.

Lautiti'iti said the experiences of some players were becoming more difficult off the field.

“I remember when I was growing up, the simpler things in life were free and it really helped with our well-being. Family connections, faith, church, friends to hang out with, nature.

“But now everything else our youth go through, I think it really highlights the importance of looking after our mental health, physical health. It all connects.

“I think this is an awesome week to really shine some light on it, raise awareness to educate ourselves, our kids, families, and communities.”

Mental Health Awareness Week runs from 23-29.

Find more information here: Mental Health Awareness Week | Mental Health Awareness Week. 23 - 29 SEPTEMBER 2024 (mhaw.nz)

Find resources for mental health here: Mental Health Awareness Week resources | Mental Health Foundation