Mental Health Round: Sherrie Calleia’s perspective

To conclude our Coles Express NBL1 Mental Health Round, we asked Mount Gambier guard Sherrie Calleia to share her journey through mental health.

By Sherrie Calleia, Mount Gambier Pioneers

If I told my past self, as little time as a year ago, that I would be writing an article for the NBL1 Mental Health Round I probably would have been in disbelief! 

I have always been an advocate for speaking out about mental health and wellbeing, so having this opportunity is one not taken lightly. Over the years I have taken part in the Push-Up Challenge and have recently undergone and been awarded my Mental Health First Aid certificate.

My Journey So Far

I have played basketball since I could remember, my earliest memory playing biddy ball (basketball programs for children under 10-years-old) with the old hook on, shorter hoops. In a game I once shot over the smaller backboard and scored in the normal 10-foot ring. It didn’t count, but I could not have been happier! 

From there I decided I wanted to continue onto domestic competition, represent my home club in both the junior and senior leagues. As well as progressing onto state teams and then training with the Sydney Uni Sparks in the South East Australian Basketball League (SEBAL). 

In 2018, I felt on top of the world playing some of my best basketball at the time, my team winning Bronze at U20s Nationals and then being named MVP of the grand final match in our win for the U22s Youth League Banner. I felt as if everything was going for me, and was given the opportunity to train with the Sydney Flames as a development player for the ‘18/’19 season.

The potential of what could be was there, at my fingertips, so close I could almost grab it with both hands. I knew that with my hard work and determination I was well on my way to progress further in the Flames program, especially being surrounded by so many professional women. I was in awe, and they set the standard that I would always attempt to match.

A pivotal moment in my career happened in an optional extra training session. 

As a development player you always want to take advantage of the opportunities given, so you best believe I was there. There were five minutes left at training, and we were playing three on three. I cut to the basket, not expecting to be passed the ball so I turned to catch it and I felt this all encompassing feeling of pain and discomfort in my knee. 

I screamed and fell to the ground. 19-year-old me had a horrible gut feeling of the prognosis, but I was in denial. My knee instantly became hot, swollen and painful to move. Luckily I was able to access a physio merely 30 minutes later to get my diagnosis but to hear the words… “I think you have ruptured your ACL” shattered me. 

Further tests and an MRI later, it was confirmed. I knew that this was going to be my biggest mental and emotional battle yet.

I remember thinking “How can this happen to someone like me? I’ve done everything I thought was right. Why me?” It was easy to succumb to the blue of sorrow and sadness. Reflecting on this now, I know that there were so many other things I could have done better, but injuries happen.

It would have been so easy to stay in this mental and emotional state, but I knew that quitting wasn’t an option. I accepted the injury for what it was and did what I could with the ability I had at that point in time as I healed and gained my strength back.

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A post shared by Sherrie Calleia (@sherriecalleia)

With the help of the Flames staff, I was guided every step of the way in my rehabilitation, and I’m thankful for the technology and education around this type of injury being so expansive. The 12-month journey felt quicker than I would have thought, but it didn’t come without struggle.

As I had played basketball for so long already, it became my identity… “Sherrie the basketball player”. But this journey to play again was so much more than getting back to the game I love.

 I had to figure out who I was away from the court, without it. The easy part was progressing through the healing and increasing my strength every week. It was simple to turn up for my body physically, but the strength I appreciated gaining most was my mental resilience.

What Can you do for Yourself?

Using a journal!

It is easy to become overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety, sadness, anger or even happiness and joy. Journalling can be a very effective way to take a step back and observe your thoughts. 

Putting thoughts to paper can give you a sense of power and can make them feel less threatening as they are not mindlessly swirling around in your head. For me, this could look like writing poems, writing pages about everything and nothing or scribbling on a piece of paper my exact feelings that come to mind.

Meditation and Mindfulness

Meditation is a very effective thing too, but it doesn’t have to be the traditional sit down, eyes closed, slow breathing, not all people are interested in something like that. Although I find this effective, I don’t gravitate towards it all the time.

If you don’t know where to start, no worries! There are plenty of apps that you can download to help guide you. Some of my favourites are Smiling Mind, DiveThru, and I am Affirmations. Keep in mind that meditation can be anything that puts you in a sense of flow or relaxation. For instance, playing basketball is a form of meditation for me, but due to injuries and other unforeseeable circumstances, relying on just basketball is generally not sustainable.

Focusing on things like walking, painting or cooking can make you feel more present and mindful which can contribute to feelings of self satisfaction and gratefulness. I find that giving yourself the time to feel calm and to take breaks improves your overall mental wellbeing. This leads me onto another important point.

Prioritise yourself

And don’t feel bad about it! I like to think that “For you to get the best of me, I need to be the best of me for me”. So, take breaks from social media, delete or unfollow “toxic” accounts and replace them with “healthy” ones, and go out of your way to take time for yourself. For instance, I spent a weekend away by myself over the long weekend where I went sightseeing, relaxing in hot springs and even went horse trail riding along the beach. It was unreal!

What can you do for others?

Be an ally, but know your limits. What does this mean? Allow yourself to be there for your family and friends but don’t take it upon yourself to solve their problems. The most important thing I learnt in my Mental Health First Aid course is to support others but know when to refer them onto additional services or a health professional.

You can contact a professional with our Mental Health Round partner Lifeline here. 

Final Words

If you or anyone you know are struggling with their mental health, don’t be afraid to reach out. 

The best thing I did and continue to do is check in with myself and others by just having a conversation. I feel very grateful to have been able to share my experience and am thankful for the Coles Express NBL1 who provided me this opportunity and for others to do the same.

I believe if we listen more, we can understand and communicate better to create a safer and healthier environment for everyone’s mental health and wellbeing.

You can phone Lifeline to speak to a Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14 (24 hours/7 days), text 0477 131 114 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or chat to Lifeline online at www.lifeline.org.au (24 hours/7 days).

Feature image via Ian Knight Photography