Mental Health: HCI player Garrett McFadden on his involvement with “McFadden's Movement”

Garrett McFadden's motivation to start the organization "McFadden's Movement" came from a personal tragedy: As a teenager, he lost a close family friend to suicide, which made him aware of the importance of mental health. "I first started talking to young people about the topic, for example in schools or with junior hockey teams, I told them my story and tried to raise their awareness of the issue," says McFadden.

In the interview, McFadden also emphasizes that dealing with mental health in professional sport, especially in ice hockey, is a particular challenge: "Ice field hockey is considered one of the toughest sports in the world and of course we players have to be so tough, we're almost gladiators. You can't show any weaknesses on the ice. But of course we also have to deal with challenges that put a mental strain on us, whether it's a personal low, an injury or a negative streak for the team." McFadden sees it as essential that "athletes have access to support systems so that they can talk about their mental challenges."

For the Canadian, talking is the key: "It's important to have people you can trust - be it in the team, in your family or among friends. Sharing the burden with someone is often enough to find relief." With "McFadden's Movement", he wants to encourage young people in particular to talk about their feelings and accept help.

>> Here you can find all the details about the "Mental Health" focus of the win2day ICE Hockey League as well as contact points for those affected.