Rugby Players Ireland has released a new video with Ireland and Leinster international Linda Djougang as part of the
#ImTakingControl campaign.
The video highlights the importance of showing the vulnerable side of your personality and prioritising self-worth when it comes to mental health.
The video explores Linda’s unusually quick introduction and development in rugby at both an amateur and professional level, which led to some challenges.
The newest Tackle Your Feelings video, by award-winning Irish animation studio Kavaleer Productions, explores Linda’s encouraging advice around what makes a good role model, the strength that comes from being yourself and understanding exactly who you are, an acceptance that led her to the rugby field.
In the video, she touches on the importance of showing vulnerability, something that never came naturally to the Leinster prop. In a sport associated by many with toughness and an absence of vulnerability amongst players, she asks people to open themselves up to support because people care and are there to help, even when you least expect it.
“I’m delighted to be involved in a campaign such as I’m Taking Control which empowers people to speak about their own experiences with feelings of anxiety or self-doubt in an open and relatable way,” said Djougang.
“Often rugby players are perceived to be thick-skinned and to have a healthy relationship with their mental health, but it is important to speak about those real and tougher experiences that can inspire others to find the tools to help develop their own mental health and self-belief. If you can help one person to understand more about how they’re feeling, it has made an impact.”
Through the TYF app and website, users are able to access tools they might 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, Relaxation, 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.
“Linda’s story demonstrates how real strength comes from showing vulnerability and we thank her for her openness and courage in sharing this,” said Zurich CEO Anthony Brennan.
“Linda inspires by leading by example and portraying an accurate measure of courage through her own journey. We know her story will provide many with the hope and strength to take their own steps to take control and proactively manage their feelings.”
“We are delighted to have Linda as our newest ambassador,” added Tackle Your Feelings Campaign Manager at RPI, Hannah McCormack.
“Everyone experiences moments of low self-confidence or an absence of self-belief and for Linda to provide a real, authentic account of how she learned to deal with going out of her comfort zone in order to improve her own mental health, will be a powerful message for many. We know Linda’s story will empower people to speak more openly and not only seek that help but also be that beacon of support to others who are struggling.”
