Nurturing Well-being On and Off the Field

By Patrice Jones, CPC, CWDS

Participating in a drum corps demands not only physical endurance but also mental resilience. The intense schedules, high expectations, and competitive environment can take a toll on one's mental health. Throw in being surrounded by others 24/7, no privacy, and exhaustion, and you have the perfect storm. However, with the right strategies and support systems in place, drum corps members can maintain and even improve their mental well-being. This guide aims to provide practical tips and resources for our RCR drum corps members to prioritize their mental health throughout their journey and to build these skills with your peers.

Understanding Mental Health:

• Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing how we think, feel, and act.

• We create and encourage an environment where seeking help for mental health concerns is normalized and destigmatized. Everyone faces challenges, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Recognizing Signs of Struggle:

• Know the signs: Educate yourself about common signs of mental health struggles, such as changes in mood, sleep patterns, appetite, or social withdrawal.

• We encourage open communication and foster an environment where members feel comfortable expressing their feelings and concerns without fear of judgment.

• If you see something or have concerns about another member, please see me. Confidentiality is in place unless your or someone else expresses or plans to do or has done harm. In this case, you will know if it’s something we must report.

Building Resilience:

• Practice self-care: Encourage healthy habits such as adequate sleep, nutrition, exercise, and relaxation techniques like mindfulness or meditation.

• Set realistic goals: Our phenomenal Educational Staff, Admin Staff, and Health Team will help you set achievable goals both on and off the field, breaking larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

• Foster camaraderie: Supportive relationships within the corps can boost morale and provide a sense of belonging. All staff will encourage teamwork, empathy, and mutual support.

Managing Stress and Pressure:

• Develop coping strategies: We’ll teach and incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization.

• Time management: By the end of tour, you’ll be a wiz at prioritizing tasks, setting realistic deadlines, and delegating responsibilities to prevent feeling overwhelmed.

• Foster a positive mindset: We encourage optimism, self-compassion, and the ability to reframe challenges as opportunities for growth.

• Transparency: We are committed to being up-front with all members and staff. Nothing changes without awareness, and you’ll never have to wonder where you stand or what we expect from you.

Seeking Support:

• Utilize resources: We will provide available community mental health resources, such as counselors, therapists, hotlines, or online support groups. We also respond to the specific needs of the current members, so every season will look different in terms of what we focus on and the direction we take.

• Peer support: We encourage each member to have a buddy or two or a small peer group where you can find peer support. Check in with your people and provide emotional support when needed.

• Help-seeking behavior: At RCR, we normalize seeking professional help when needed and ensure access to mental health services for all members.

Balancing Commitments:

• Prioritize self-care: Your well-being always come first, and it's encouraged to ask for a break or help when needed. Just tell your caption head you’d like to see me for mental health support.

• Communicate openly: We encourage you to communicate your needs and boundaries with staff and peers to avoid burnout. If you feel you’re not being heard, visit the Health Team, and we will assist you.

• Foster a culture of balance: Strive for a healthy balance between rigorous rehearsals, performances, and personal time to prevent exhaustion and promote overall well-being. In this very structured environment, there is little room for flexibility. If you find yourself in need of a break or you must step away, ask to see the Health Team.

Participating in a drum corps is a rewarding yet demanding experience that requires both physical and mental stamina. By prioritizing mental health, recognizing signs of struggle, building resilience, managing stress, seeking support, and balancing commitments, members and staff can cultivate a culture of well-being that enhances their overall experience and performance both on and off the field. Remember, your mental health matters, and there's strength in seeking help and supporting each other through the journey.