FIFA launches #ReachOut campaign for mental health
August 6, 2021
The International Governing Body of football has launched a new United Nations-backed campaign to continue to promote action on mental health. FIFA's #ReachOut campaign is designed to elevate awareness of potentially damaging mental health conditions and encourage people everywhere to seek help when they need it with the support of past and current football players.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are also taking part to underscore the importance of early detection. “As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it is as important as ever to look after our mental and physical health,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “WHO is delighted to support the #ReachOut campaign, spearheaded by FIFA to encourage people to talk about their mental health.”
According to WHO, around 20% of the world’s children and adolescents have a mental health condition, with suicide being the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds. Mainly because of demographic changes, there has been a 13% rise in mental health conditions and substance use disorders in the last decade, and despite these figures, the global median of government health expenditure that goes to mental health is less than 2%.
FIFA legends and special guests will share their stories advice on how to start supportive conversations in the campaign, including Vero Boquete, Cafu, Laura Georges, Luis García, Shabani Nonda, Patrizia Panico, Fara Williams and Walter Zenga. FIFA.com will also speak with former Bolton Wanderers and Team GB forward, Marvin Sordell, and Sonny Pike, who was labelled the ‘next big thing’ at 14, about their experiences with depression.
Teresa Enke - widow of the former Deutscher Fußball-Bund (DFB) goalkeeper Robert Enke - also discusses the pain of losing a loved one to suicide, and her work with the Robert Enke Foundation. “There is scientific proof that all my efforts have achieved something since my husband’s suicide in 2009. The acceptance of this illness is there. The team now includes psychologists and psychiatrists, and psychological training is offered to young athletes involved in competitive sport,” she explained.
In a joint press release with WHO, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said, “In FIFA’s Vision 2020-2023, we pledge our commitment to make football work for society, and I thank the players and Ms. Teresa Enke, who have contributed to this important initiative.”
“Depression and anxiety affect rising numbers of people worldwide, and young people are among the most vulnerable. Having a conversation with family, friends or a healthcare professional can be key."
According to the release, depression affects more than 260 million people in the world while around half of all mental health conditions start by age 14. Among active football players, 23 percent reported sleep disturbance, while 9% have reported depression and a further 7% suffer from anxiety. Among retired players, these figures increase, with 28% struggling to sleep and depression and anxiety affecting 13% and 11% respectively.
The video awareness campaign features Legends, current players and special guests who, at times, share their lived experiences. The campaign is being shared on FIFA digital channels, with multimedia toolkits provided to the 211 FIFA member associations and to media agencies to facilitate dissemination and use within Europe and beyond.