Joey Carbery takes control of his wellbeing

Joey Carbery, the latest Tackle Your Feelings ambassador has released a new video in which he discusses the long road to recovery after an ankle injury and how countless setbacks impacted his mental wellbeing. By speaking up, turning to his support network and taking control of his own mental wellbeing, Carbery hopes to encourage others to take a proactive approach to looking after their mental health, whether it’s on or off the pitch.

Tackle Your Feelings (TYF) was launched by Rugby Players Ireland and Zurich in 2016 and is funded by the Z Zurich Foundation. Since its launch, TYF has impacted the lives of people all over the world, with campaign content being viewed in excess of 23 million times. As part of the Tackle Your Feelings campaign, Rugby Players Ireland are joined by Joey Carbery to support the #ImTakingControl campaign which provides people with the tools to ‘Take Control’ of their mental wellbeing using sport psychology and positive psychology principles.

The new Tackle Your Feelings video takes a look at the impact Joey’s injury and other setbacks had on his mental wellbeing and how he struggled, initially, to reach out to those closest to him, be it teammates, family or friends. However, Joey reveals that it was only by taking that proactive step, speaking to those around him to tell them how he was feeling, that he began to see progress and improvements in his own wellbeing. He also emphasises the important of patience when learning to look after and improve your mental health.

“I’m really honoured and excited to be taking part in the Tackle Your Feelings campaign,” Carbery said. “I have seen the hugely positive impact TYF and my fellow ambassadors have had on the conversation and subsequent actions around mental wellbeing. Not only at a professional rugby level, but at club, university and schools too, as well as in different sports and in different countries. I look forward to being a greater support to those around me, on and off the pitch, with the help of Tackle Your Feelings, and hope I can use my experiences as proof that reaching out, turning to those you trust, no matter how bad it may seem, things will improve.”

Anthony Brennan, CEO of Zurich Ireland said: “Many people experience feelings of anxiety and uncertainty at different points and for different reasons in their life. We believe the resilience and determination shown within Joey’s story will help people to understand the benefits of speaking out when it comes to maintaining a positive mental wellbeing, especially during periods of isolation and loneliness. The Tackle Your Feelings app gives individuals the resources to help themselves and tools to proactively work on their mental wellbeing.”

Tackle Your Feelings Campaign Manager at RPI, Hannah McCormack, said: “We are delighted to have Joey Carbery as our newest ambassador for the #ImTakingControl campaign. Joey understands, and has experienced first-hand, the ups and downs of professional rugby, which can mirror the ups and down of every-day life. His story offers those going through setbacks the hope and belief that, by having support around you, challenges can be recognised and tackled collectively. We believe Joey’s experiences will also inspire those trying to support someone feeing low or anxious, to understand the best ways they can be a source of strength for their teammate, friend or family member.

Through the TYF app and website, users can access the tools they need at the right time for them, with featured sections that can help them identify their own social support, positive relationships and work on their confidence and optimism. Other sections include: happiness/sadness, sleep, self-care, resilience, anger, relaxations, and self-awareness. The app’s mindfulness section allows users to choose from a selection of mindfulness exercises to help them identify and proactively manage their feelings.

For more information on Tackle Your Feelings follow the Instagram account @tyf or visit the website www.tackleyourfeelings.com which will share videos, updates on events and competitions.