Just as we have physical health, we all have mental health too. Mind defines good mental health as being generally able to think, feel and react in the ways that you need to live your life. If you go through a period of poor mental health you might find the ways you’re frequently thinking, feeling or reacting become difficult, or even impossible to cope with. This can feel just as bad as a physical illness, or even worse.

Approximately one in four people will experience a mental health problem in any given year. Common mental health problems include depression and anxiety, but encompass a range of different disorders and diagnoses.

If you feel you, or someone you know’s mental health is getting in the way of their daily life, it is important to seek support.

Looking out for your mates is important, whether it’s at or away from the track. The Speedway industry is bound by a love for cars and one great support initiative is Chat Laps – a Chat Lap is going for a drive with a mate, and having a chat. It’s as simple as that. Men in particular often prefer to talk side-by-side, rather than face-to-face, which makes a car trip the perfect time for an open and honest conversation, without it feeling forced.

A conversation can make the difference in helping someone feel less alone and more supported. As a mate, don’t underestimate the power of just ‘being there’.