Last year, Norwich City Football Club released a video for World Mental Health Day, and it melted the internet. Looking after our mental health is vital for our overall well-being, alongside taking care of our bodies.
Norwich City Football Club highlighted this in a World Mental Health Day video on October 10th. The video emphasized how easily mental health issues can go unnoticed, reaching many people.
It says: “At times, it can be obvious when someone struggles to cope. But sometimes, the signs are harder to spot. Check-in on those around you.”
It begins with a trigger warning, then shows two men in the club’s jerseys at a stadium, one looking upset and the other calm.
The friend tries to cheer up the anxious guy at the match, but he doesn’t respond much. They cheer for the team together, but the anxious guy still seems worried.
In another scene at a different match, the friend asks how the anxious guy’s week has been. The anxious guy says his week was okay.
In another scene, he’s still not interested in the match, while his friend is.
Then the guy told his anxious friend: “Well, I hope things are better outside of football.”
Then, a message appears on the screen: “At times, it can be obvious when someone is struggling to cope.”
The next scene is when it hits. The anxious guy returns to the game, places a scarf where his friend usually sits, takes off his hat, and looks at the camera.
Then, a caption reads: “But sometimes, the signs are harder to spot.” The video hints that the seemingly happy friend was going through tough times and took a drastic step.
The video concludes by urging viewers to check on those in their surroundings. World Mental Health Day serves as a chance to discuss why mental health is important and to advocate for seeking help when needed, as stated by the Mental Health Foundation.
Research showed that people in lower-income brackets, including children and adults, were more likely to face mental health challenges, with the risk being two to three times higher.
Meanwhile, asylum seekers were found to be five times more likely to experience mental health needs than the general population.
Additionally, it was concerning to discover that 38% of individuals with severe mental health issues also dealt with long-term physical conditions.
Why is it important to talk about mental health?
Talking about mental health helps communities by reducing stigma, teaching coping skills, and starting the journey to recovery, says HealthSherpa.
It’s not just about mental illness; it’s also about staying positive. These conversations promote good mental well-being, leading to a more productive and cooperative community.
Talking about mental health isn’t easy, but it’s beneficial. Here are some tips to begin talking about your feelings or checking in with someone you care about.
If you want to talk about your mental health:
- Think about talking to someone you trust, like a friend or family member, or someone you don’t know, like a support helpline. Making a list of the good and bad aspects of talking to someone can help you decide.
- Think about where you’ll talk. Choose a place where you feel comfortable expressing yourself, whether it’s a private spot with few interruptions or while doing an activity like walking together.
- Be prepared for various reactions when you open up to someone, even if you hope for a positive response. They might need time to understand or may initially react differently due to worry or confusion. If this occurs, give them space and consider providing them with information to help them comprehend. And remember to be compassionate to yourself and prioritize self-care.
If you want to check on someone about their mental health:
- Pick a quiet spot for your conversation if you’re worried about someone. Ensure you can fully focus on talking and consider removing any possible distractions.
- Show support by listening carefully, maintaining eye contact, and avoiding interruptions. Asking relevant questions can clarify their thoughts and demonstrate engagement as long as they stay on topic.
- Offer support by asking how you can assist or suggesting ways to help. They might need help with tasks like scheduling appointments or chores, or they might appreciate normal conversation about your life.
Below is Norwich City Football Club’s powerful World Mental Health Day video:
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