Disc Golf and Mental Health

Mental health awareness might be one of the most critical topics being discussed today, and I couldn’t agree more that we need to be talking about this and helping others and ourselves get the assistance that is needed. More specifically, we need to be open to discussing and learning about our own mental health and how it affects us each day. To quote Anthony Padilla, “Sometimes existing can be exhausting.”

Most Monday’s I’m looking for a good positive vibes or motivation quote to post to Instagram. The reason I do this to help spread another seed of positivity into people’s days. We live in a world where it’s very easy to focus on the bad, and the bad is often very loud in our ears. It takes extra effort and the support of those around us to fight through this noise. For me, that comes in the form of disc golf. Let’s talk more about that.

When on the course, I feel like it’s a lot easier to separate the noise of life and tackle my thoughts head on. The combination of the physical activity of throwing and walking, combined with the mindfulness and focus of playing the game, can take me to a great mental place. Of course, being competitive and playing any sport can bring its own separate type of stress, but the best part about disc golf is that sometimes, it’s not about competing. It’s not about winning. It’s not about being the best you can be. Sometimes, disc golf is just about throwing.

In “Zen & The Art of Disc Golf”, Patrick McCormick says, “Disc golf can become a mirror of yourself once you learn to step back and see that you are the game and the game is you.” Disc golf is a game of catharsis and emotional release. Have you ever had a bad day? Go throw a disc as hard as you can. If you pure your gap, you’ll be thrilled. If you drill a tree, you’ll revel in your power. The key of the whole thing is just to let loose and have some fun.

Sometimes though, it’s hard to let go and just throw. Mental health isn’t always looked upon with the greatest light, but we need to break the stigma around this issue. At our core, all of us struggle in one way or another. We all have things that need to be dealt with and managed mentally and emotionally. Negative stereotypes only serve to prevent people from seeking help and discussing their needs with others.

For you, it may not be disc golf. Maybe it’s reading. Maybe it’s spending time with family. Maybe it’s spending time in prayer or personal quiet and meditation. Maybe it’s just admitting that you need some help or someone to talk to. More than anything, stay strong and realize that you’re not alone. Bad days will come, but you’ll weather them. If you feel like you can’t talk to anyone or you don’t know how to talk to anyone, maybe seeking some professional help is the best thing to do.

I’m not very familiar with them, but I know some great things have been said about https://www.betterhelp.com/. They have affordable help and advice that meet you at your level and allow you to comfortably seek help at your pace. Their mission is to make professional therapy accessible, affordable, and convenient, so anyone who struggles with life’s challenges can get help, anytime and anywhere.

- Gary Daddario III - www.thumberlife.com