I belong to a ringette team. The Comox Valley Cougars. http://comoxvalleyringette.com/index.htm We are a master’s team, meaning players
are over 30 years of age- I’m WAY over- I have been playing with them for 5
years now.
Growing up in the Comox Valley, there were very few
opportunities for me to skate, so close to the age of 50 I thought why not, as
I wanted to play hockey. To make a long story short, I found out about the
Ringette team. I had been skating for about 6 months at the public skating at
the local indoor rink. I realized that I am not going to be learning much if I
kept skating around in circles, so I
contacted the ringette team, as their web site said all skating abilities
welcome. They got back to me and told me that their team roster was full but if
I wanted to come out and play the game I was more than welcome, and as they say
the rest is history.
Three weekends ago, we went to a ringette tournament in
Langley. I love my team and enjoy going away with them. My team is a mixture of
players, from all walks of life and all playing abilities. Some have been
playing since they were wee lasses, and after many years away from it have
started up again. Some played hockey in their younger years and continue to do
so, and then some are like me, totally new to the game, and the skating.
When I mean new to skating, I mean, putting skates on and
hanging onto the boards as I went around the rink!!!
With the amazing acceptance and support from my team I have
slowly improved, dared to take chances and try harder. The first night I went
to practice I was terrified, scared I would not be good enough, could not skate
well enough, make mistakes etc. But they were amazing and supportive and I
loved the game. As time went along I became more comfortable with the team, and
was able to relax, well sort of.
So, at this point, you may be asking, “Why is she writing
about her ringette team in a blog about hope and mental health?”
Well, my smart ass answer is “because it’s my blog and I can
write about what I want.” But, the real reason I am writing this is because
teamwork can be just as important, powerful and valuable for your mental
health!
I have a mental health team. I have not always had this. I
remember the dark days before I was correctly diagnosed, when I thought I was
crazy and felt like I was the only one in the entire world who felt the way I
did. I was struggling to keep my head above the water. A time where it felt
like everywhere I turned life was knocking me down and it was getting harder
and harder to get up again. A time of felt hopelessness and wondering how I was
going to carry on.
I remember the fear of going to see my family doctor, and
telling him what was REALLY going on, afraid he would think less of me, turn me
away, say I was crazy etc. To my pleasant surprise he did not. I was referred
to the adult day therapy program at the local hospital. Once again, on my first
time there I had the same fears and trepidations, and once again I was
pleasantly surprised, and they taught me a lot. I was then referred to a
psychiatrist who had a group for people with Complex P.T.S.D. I was to meet him first, and see if I was
right, but more importantly, to make sure I was ready for group work. I
remember the morning of my first meeting with him. I sat in my car, in the
parking lot looking at the door to his office thinking “I could just go for
coffee right now.” I’m glad I didn’t.
When I was correctly diagnosed with
Dissociative Identity Disorder my family doctor had never heard about it, but
he was open minded enough to learn what he could, and he has become one of my
biggest advocates, especially when the chips are down and I need to be admitted
to the hospital. And, once again, to
make a long story short, the rest is history.
I have come a long way, there have been many people on my
mental health team, all wanting the best for me. Some have retired, some have
moved, new ones have come on board. Some are professional, some are family and
friends. Each one has brought their unique skills and insights to me and I have
become better for it. I am now doing more than I ever thought would be
possible. Yes, I still struggle at times, I still get frustrated and sometimes
I need to pull away from activities and focus on myself. I am able to ask for
help during these times, and with help and support I cannot just get through
these moments, but grow and learn from them. Coming out the other end a better
and more whole person. More confident with who I am.
Team work does work, in sports, and in mental health. With
support, encouragement and help, one can become more and do more than they ever
thought possible, and if you are lucky, you may find some lovely surprises
along the way.
During the weekend away with the ringette team, we played 5
games. The first 4 games were played in 30 hours, it was busy! We played our 1st
one on a Friday afternoon, we lost. Our 2nd game was Friday night.
During that game, with 4 minutes to go, we were down by 1 and I scored the
tying goal. It was a beauty, a backhand shot, went in the top corner of the
net. It was an amazing feeling. I did not know I could get so excited and yell
for so long. My team mates that were on the ice came over and congratulated me.
It was like a big team hug and all I kept thinking was “don’t fall down” I was
in shock, I could not believe I had just done that and I had this huge grin on
my face. On my next shift, with less than 4 seconds to go, I assisted with the
winning goal. It was an amazing feeling, and in the locker room my team gave me
the M.V.P. Needless to say that grin
stayed with me throughout the weekend.
The next day I got another goal and assist. We came away
from the tournament with the bronze medal.
I am not the strongest player, and I am far from the best
player or skater on the team. But, I can still be part of the team. Also, I did
not score those goals alone, it was a team effort, and some players scored
amazing goals, many in fact. It’s amazing to watch them. Then, there is our
amazing goalie. I don't know how he does what he does.
My ringette team knows about my illness and support me and
accept me just the way I am. It is
because of this welcoming and supportive environment I keep going back. That
and the love of the game. Unlike hockey, a player cannot carry the ring all the
way down the ice, you have to pass the ring over the blue line, going both
directions on the ice. So, this truly is a team sport.
The people on my mental health team support, and accept me
for who I am. It is because of this welcoming and supportive environment that I
keep asking for, and receiving help and support when needed. As with my skating
and playing skills, they did not improve overnight. It took a lot of work, my willingness
to ask for help. The work-both skating and my mental health- is ongoing,
and most likely will be for the rest of my life. One thing I do know, I am not alone with this and I could
not ask for better team mates!!
These are my thoughts for today. I wish you all well in your
journey.
Cheers and be well
Suzy
