Meet Our Mental Health First Aider – Jess Troy
WHO AM I?
Hello!
My name is Jess, and I am the Jersey Spartan AC appointed mental health first aider. I am a long distance runner, and have been a member of the club for over 10 years. I also volunteer as the club’s photographer, and occasionally coach the middle distance group with Chris Dorey. I am DBS checked, and qualified in Safeguarding (Tier 2) with England Athletics.
I’ve been running all my life, but only joined Spartans when I was 14. Since then, I’ve gone on to compete in 2 Island Games, and was awarded team Gold and individual Bronze in the half marathon in Gibraltar 2019. I love to run, it is my happy place.
WHY AM I A MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDER?
Like how we look after our physical health as athletes, I believe that we should also prioritize our mental health – both on and off the track. When I was in my teens, I suffered with very poor mental health. My mental illness caused me to become physically unwell and in hospital, which meant that I could not run and missed out on an opportunity to compete at an Island Games. For 6 years, I was in a very dark place, and felt there was no way out. However, there was! With the help and support of a therapist, family, and an amazing coach here at Spartans, I got myself better, and have gone on to enjoy a happy and healthy life. When you discover that there’s light at the end of the tunnel, nothing can stop you! Since being discharged from Jersey’s mental health service, I have strived to ensure that no one – particularly young athletes – struggle in silence. Spartans is a community that looks out for its athletes, and I am extremely proud to be a part of that.
WHAT IS A MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDER?
Supporting individuals Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the help offered to an individual experiencing declining mental health or a mental health crisis. It aims to assist those at risk to themselves or others, and provide comfort to a person with a mental health issue. MHFA also aims to raise awareness of mental health issues within the community, and reduce the stigma and discrimination. Sport and physical activity is typically seen as a great tool to benefit one’s mental wellbeing, however in high stress competition or training situations, sometimes things can get too much, and that’s okay! I am here as a representative of Spartans to provide a friendly face and support for those times when you aren’t feeling quite right, both in and out of athletics.
How to get in touch
If you ever see me at training or competitions, please come and say hi if you’d like! I’m always open for a chat, and that goes for both athletes and parents. We are also aiming to host wellbeing evenings a few times a year, to encourage a space within the club for people to talk and discover new wellbeing techniques. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch, however big or small the concern is – we are happy to help.
