Neepawa reflects on CMHA Talk Today presentation

In early October, the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) announced its continued partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and their Talk Today Program.

Talk Today has grown into a national mental health initiative and now includes more than 50 CMHA provincial divisions and community branches across Canada supporting junior hockey teams, post-secondary sports programs, minor sports organizations, and more.

Earlier this season, players and staff from the Neepawa Natives took part in their presentation on mental health and suicide prevention.

“As a coach it’s very important to have these resources available to our players and right at the tip of their fingers,” Explained Head Coach & General Manager, Ken Pearson. “Our presenter did a great job and took the time to answer the questions that players had during the presentation.”

“I believe it’s also key for the players to have this available to them, with all the peer pressure and social media scrutiny sometimes things can become overwhelming as they grow as players and most importantly young adults.”

One of those players is 20-year-old Brady Morrison who spoke about what he learned and how he can benefit from the program.

“Mental health is something that impacts many people, and as a player I learned tools on how to address and talk to people or even teammates that are having mental health issues,” Morrison shared.

“These resources are key to have for players especially ones that are living away from home and don’t have the one person they feel comfortable opening up to,” he concluded.

Elite athletes face immense pressures, including balancing academic demands and performing in their chosen sport. Talk Today, one of the most comprehensive sport-related mental health programs in Canada, was designed to promote the mental health of these young athletes and to spread awareness about the benefits of positive mental health.