In recent months, we have heard footballers of the calibre and experience of Danny Rose, Michael Carrick and, most recently, Marvin Sordell, talk openly about their mental health, and they are to be applauded for helping to break down the stigma around this most important subject of all, around the most important day of all, World Mental Health Day.
Much as we admire footballers for their skill, they are no different to you and me when it comes to their mental health. Just because they are young, healthy, sometimes wealthy, it does not absolve them from the same things that we can feel, worry, anxiety, fear of failure, lack of self-esteem and yes, even depression. We now live in a world where mistakes are hardly allowed, we have to be seen to be almost perfect, and look perfect. But behind the Instagram or facebook profile can lie a different story, and the real story.
That is why it is vital to talk. Suffering in silence, and even shame, is even more debilitating than the anxiety or worry you may initially be feeling. We all look for secrets, immediate cures, but sadly they do not exist. We must form habits, behaviours, thinking patterns and support networks to help us cope, and I am proud to say that Brentford Football Club leads the way in this field. The owner, management and staff don’t just care about their players as footballers, they care about them as people.
If, as you are allowed, feel ground down, a bit low, worried, anxious or lonely, the “simple things” are always the best to help you break the cycle of thinking. Here are five that we can all do:
Michael was on LoveSPORT radio earlier today to discuss mental health in sport.
Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, in partnership with West London Mental Health Trust, runs a range of football projects for children and adults with mental health issues.
For more information, visit www.brentfordfccst.com