When your struggling to find form or make that pass count, your team mates get you through.
Life can be the same, some days every shot you hit goes in, and some days they don’t. More than ever, it’s important to remember that whoever you are and wherever you are, there’s is always a team to help get you through.
Life’s ups and downs are always better when they are shared. They say a problem shared is a problem halved, and after the last year or so, we know this rings true. Social interaction has never seemed so significant, we are all playing for the same team.
On Sunday, we celebrated World Mental Health Day and all the work we do to benefit the physical and mental wellbeing of our players, but today like every other day, mental health matters.
In Scotland, 45% of adults report feeling often, sometimes or occasionally lonely. With social isolation enforced by Covid-19 restrictions over the course of the pandemic, this can only have worsened.
Mental health is an umbrella term for everything that goes on in our head. It’s not a fixed state, everyone has good and bad days. However, we know that having a structure, routine and a sense of belonging can influence this.
Working with some amazing partners, Street Soccer support players around Scotland to make positive changes in their lives, no matter how small or large.
It’s important to look after your mental health and ensure you are taking the adequate steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed, lonely, helpless or stressed. It’s never a one size fits all, and everyone responds to what life throws at us differently. There is no shame in feeling low, but we do know what helps when you are struggling.
Physical exercise is proven to be successful and helps build routine. As does ensuring that you are getting a good sleep every night. Nutrition is also key, as is taking some time to do things you enjoy, such as listening to music, playing computer games, meeting friends or watching sports. If you are able to plan this in to your schedule, then you’re already one step ahead.
Emotional support is always near too. At Street Soccer, we have trained mental health officers that are available on request in both Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as multiple other staff who have lived experience to lean on.
If you would rather speak to someone anonymous, then there are multiple helplines that you can get in touch with. Please see below:
Samaritans – 116123
CALM – 0800 585858
SANEline – 0300 3047000
Mind – 0300 123 3393
SAMH – 0344 800 055
Street Soccer exists on the foundations of helping others, and we want to help you too. Not everyday is a great one but the next one can be. We can all find hope, and we can share it together as a team. The Team. The Same Team.
