On World Mental Health Day, Kate Cross has penned a blog detailing her experiences with anxiety and why she believes the mental health campaign launched by the PCA and Sporting Chance is so important for current and former cricketers.
Sporting Chance supported more than 100 individuals in 2023, 49 of whom were current professionals. Anxiety was reported as the main concern for 49% of them. This led to the collaboration between the PCA, Sporting Chance and Masuri, with eye-catching helmets displaying the slogan “There’s no protection from anxiety” and the 24/7 Confidential Helpline number provided to all counties and regions.
While cricket is where my mental health really showed itself, it wasn’t the sole reason I was feeling how I was. That was something I really had to unpick. I thought I struggled with cricket itself but I actually wasn’t dealing with the pressure of my profession very well. Consistently striving for perfection was unobtainable and I constantly felt I was failing. I remember thinking being a professional cricketer should be the best time of my life and I was hating every second. At the time I wasn’t aware it was anxiety I was suffering with; only once I sought help was it diagnosed.
I used Sporting Chance to speak to a professional psychiatrist – having access to professional help was my first step to getting the support and guidance I needed. Knowing you are only a phone call away from being able to get an appointment is a huge cushion for us as cricketers.
I have also relied heavily on meditation. I used Headspace consistently for months when I was really struggling; even 10 minutes a day took me out of some dark moments. I also still talk to others – I’m very lucky to have friends who I trust and can have very honest conversations with. Having that space to be aware of your feelings is important. Exercise is also crucial for me. Although I train hard, there are times where I’ll do a ‘headspace run’ just for me, to make me feel better in the moment.
At first, opening up was really difficult. I was scared I would be judged on how I was feeling and that would affect my selection. I didn’t want people to think I couldn’t cope with the demands of being a professional cricketer. But, without asking for help, I’m certain I wouldn’t have been able to continue the way I was. Recognising I was struggling and getting the right help from the right people is something I will never regret. Although it meant some time out of cricket, it has prolonged my career and helped me gain tools that I use consistently. If anything, I wish I had spoken to someone sooner about how I was feeling, so it didn’t suffocate me the way it did.
Since then, I’ve always been comfortable talking about my story and trying to reduce people’s stigma around their mental health. To some extent, everyone has their own battles and the more open we are about them, the more people will hopefully be comfortable in reaching out for help if they need it. For myself, being equipped with strategies to cope with anxiety in my cricket has transferred into my general life too and been game changing.
"Recognising I was struggling and getting the right help from the right people is something I will never regret."
KATE CROSS
The campaign between the PCA and Sporting Chance is huge. Mental health is a big part of daily life, let alone professional sport. Cricket has many challenges and so does the strain we put on ourselves as athletes, always striving to be the best version of ourselves for us and the team. Knowing we have somewhere to go if we are struggling is vital for players and, ultimately, could save a life.
If anyone believes they are being affected by anxiety, I encourage them to speak to someone. The PCA is always there and know who to put you in contact with. As hard as it feels to open up to someone, it really does help when you are able to get the right help for how you are feeling. I’m yet to meet anyone who has regretted reaching out for help and it might just change your life.
For immediate support, PCA members can contact the Sporting Chance helpline at 07780008877. Additionally, players can fill out the online contact form on Sporting Chance’s website to connect with the triage team and arrange a call back.
