Bell Let’s Talk Day at Canadian Running

Today is Bell Let’s Talk Day, and in a year defined by sickness, social isolation and civil unrest, talking about our mental health has become more necessary than ever before. There has always been a strong connection between running and psychological well-being, and while this relationship is largely positive, more and more athletes are opening up about their own mental health struggles. This proves that even runners are not bullet-proof when it comes to stress, anxiety and depression. The following is a collection of our best stories, studies and advice to join the conversation and end the stigma around mental health.

Athlete stories

Over the last year, a number of elite distance runners in Canada and around the world became much more vocal about their personal struggles with mental health, bringing a spotlight on how running at the professional level and the pressure that comes with that can be damaging to athletes’ psychological well-being. Among these athletes were Alexi Pappas, Andrea Seccafien and Corey Bellemore.

Alexi Pappas opens up about her post-Olympic mental health crisis

The Greek-American Olympian was diagnosed with severe clinical depression after the high of the Olympic Games faded.

Noah Lyles speaks about mental health struggles, spurs important conversation

Lyles tweeted about his mental health and many other runners opened up about their personal struggles in response.

Legitimizing the mental-health injury

How Canadian half-marathon record holder Andrea Seccafien overcame mental health struggles. Seccafien also spoke openly about her struggles on an episode of The Shakeout Podcast.

Corey Bellemore’s struggle with an eating disorder

Bellemore is one of Canada’s best 1,500m runners, and he’s looking to raise awareness about eating disorders in men. For an even more in-depth discussion with Bellemore, you can listen to his conversation with Kate Van Buskirk on his episode of The Shakeout Podcast.

Molly Seidel says eating disorder remains a struggle

A look at Seidel’s powerful ESPN interview on her eating disorder, running success and ongoing recovery.

Studies, advice and more

Over the last several months we also spoke with experts, read studies and found resources to help you, our readers, navigate your own mental health struggles and learn how to use running as a tool to help get you through a tough year.

Improving your mental health through running: part 1

Kim Dawson, professor of sport psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University, explains how running improves your mental health and why you should get outside this winter.

Improving your mental health through running: part 2

Dawson talks about when running becomes an unhealthy obsession, and what to do about it.

Feeling down? Here’s some mental health guidance from the professionals

Advice for maintaining mental health during the COVID-19 crisis.

Feeling low motivation is totally normal right now

Feeling low on motivation? You’re not alone

Strava study finds professional athletes are struggling with mental health

Professional athletes reported a 27 per cent increase in anxiety due to the pandemic.

The science behind the runner’s high

Recent research suggests endorphins may not be behind the mood-boosting effects of running.

Runner PSA: give yourself a break during the pandemic

Running should be relieving your stress, not adding to it.

Running has taken on a few changes over this past year, but despite this, we’re very lucky that we have been able to continue doing the sport we love during this difficult time. Here at Canadian Running, we hope that you have found peace and happiness out on the roads and trails, and that you will be able to continue to use running as a tool to help you manage whatever life throws at you. If you are struggling with your mental health here’s a list of resources that can help: BetterHelp, Crisis Services Canada and the Canadian Crisis Hotline (833-456-4566) are all available 24/7.