Codemasters : Supporting Mental Health Awareness Week (May 10th-16th, 2021)

Supporting Mental Health Awareness Week (May 10th-16th, 2021)

Mental Health, Racing Ahead | May 10th, 2021

Mental Health Awareness Week - which this year runs from May 10th to May 16th - focuses on promoting positive mental health. This year, Codemasters has partnered with Public Health England on its Every Mind Matters campaign to share important information and steps that anyone can take to improve their own mental wellbeing, in particular those who struggle with change and uncertainty.

As a recent study has shown, 50% of players in the UK reported that games made them happier during the first lockdown. We're sharing stories on how Codemasters games have helped players improve their own mental health in four key areas: stress, anxiety, sleep, and low mood. Plus, throughout the week in DIRT 5, DiRT Rally 2.0, and GRID you may notice Every Mind Matters messages displaying on trackside banners. You can read more about that here.

Dealing With Uncertainty

COVID-19 has affected everyone in different ways and with government lockdown restrictions beginning to lift in the UK, some may be feeling uneasy with a change in routine. Here are five quick tips on you can deal with uncertainty:

• Take stock of how you feel: Put time aside to examine your current situation and consider how you really feel, perhaps talking it through with someone you trust
• Focus on the short term: The further we look into the future, the easier it is to get overwhelmed by long-term uncertainty. Instead, try to focus on the day-to-day, and think about what's in your power to do right now
• Acknowledge what's working: Even when it might feel like everything is up in the air, there will be some things, however small, that do not change. It could be a close relationship, our favourite meal or a game that means something to us
• Reframe your thoughts: In changeable times like this, it can be easy to get caught up in negative thoughts, feelings and actions. For most people, at this time, feeling uneasy is an understandable response to the uncertainty present in everyday life. It can be helpful to step back, examine the evidence for your thoughts and explore other ways of looking at the situation
• Find a new rhythm: Routine and structure can be a powerful way to regain consistency and reduce uncertainty. Make time to de-stress and wind down each day - build in positive activities like exercise, relaxation, hobbies, speaking to friends or spending time with those close to you, and think about a positive sleep routine

Your Personalised Mind Plan

Below you'll find the Mind Plan tool. It's a free personalised action plan with NHS endorsed practical tips to help deal with stress and anxiety, boost mood, sleep better and feel more in control. It takes just a minute to complete and offers resources that can really make a difference.

Your Mind Plan

Answer the 5 questions in this interactive quiz to get top tips and advice for you

Now tailored for the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Start quiz

Your Mind Plan is brought to you by Public Health England, an executive agency sponsored by the Department of Health. Terms and conditions | Privacy Policy | How this quiz works | Accessibility statement. This quiz is aimed at adults aged 18 and over. If you are under 18, check out our mental health and self-care tips for young people.

Quotes From Our Players

We all play games for various different reasons, whether that's to unwind, compete to be the best, or to immerse ourselves in a world away from our own. What you may not know is that there's evidence to show games in particular can have a lasting and impactful effect on mental health.

We reached out to some of our Racing Ahead creators who shared their stories on how our games have helped them and others through tough times in recent months. Here's what just some of them had to say on dealing with the likes of stress, anxiety, sleep, and low mood:

'F1® 2020 in particular has given me an opportunity to stay close to my fans through videos and streams, even more so than usual.

Without a doubt, games have lifted my mood during difficult times and I'm sure they helped those watching feel happier too.'

- Nunzio (NU89)

'In the early days of the pandemic, I found DiRT Rally 2.0 to be quite therapeutic.

Overcoming tough courses and improving my times really helped me deal with some of the anxiety I had.'

- Jack (CraptasticJack)

'F1® 2020's My Team mode has really helped destress.

Chilling out racing AI and just talking to the Twitch chat helps relax the mind 110%.'

- Liam (LiamRBS)

'I can always turn on DIRT 5 and be relaxed and stress free!

When you hit drifts (especially on the ice maps) it never fails to bring a smile to my face!'

- Alex (Alex VII)

'During the quarantine, I started doing live streams and had fantastic feedback, with some saying the streams were helping them going through a difficult time. In some cases, I received reports from people who were depressed and my live streams were the best time of their day.

This touched me deeply, because the feeling was the same on my side. Making content for the public during the lockdown helped me to control my anxiety about what the future held.'

- Dan (Velocidade Alta)

We'd love to hear your stories on how our games have personally helped you over the last few months. Feel free to reach out to us on our social pages, whether that's on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

More Information

You're not alone if you need help. For additional support on Mental Health, search Every Mind Matters or visit https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/. You'll find more expert tips and practical advice to help you look after your own mental health and wellbeing.

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