More than sport: Curlers reflect on mental health, balance, and support

October marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a global initiative dedicated to fostering empathy, understanding, and collective action.

Finding strength through conversation

For Canada’s Brett Gallant, working with a sports psychologist is a vital part of preserving his mental health.

“When you’re in these kinds of high-pressure events all the time, it’s nice to have some training on how to deal with it,”

He also emphasizes the importance of support:

“It’s also good to have someone to reach out to if you’re struggling.”

Gallant credits his wife and fellow curler Jocelyn Peterman for helping him maintain balance.

“She knows the pressures and feelings that come with sport. It’s nice to have people to lean on, to talk to, that’s important.”

Speaking about his team, Gallant notes the shared experience of stress and anxiety and their ongoing efforts to cope better.

“Everyone’s dealing with stresses and anxieties, and we’re learning how to deal with them better. It’s OK to not be perfectly OK.”

Challenges after the Olympics

After the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Canada’s Rachel Homan faced a difficult period following a narrow miss for a medal in the mixed doubles event.

These stories highlight the resilience and courage behind the scenes in high-level curling, showing the importance of mental health and connection in sport.

Author’s summary: Curlers open up about the vital role of mental health support and connection in navigating the pressures of elite competition and maintaining balance.

World Curling Federation — 2025-11-04