FIFA Launched #ReachOut Campaign to Promote Mental Health

Mental health is important to live a healthy and balanced life. It can cause disturbance in thinking, emotion, and behavior. People can’t cope with the regular activities of life. FIFA has started #ReachOut, a special campaign organized to increase awareness of the symptoms of mental disorders. This campaign’s main motto is to encourage people to seek help when they need it and also take necessary steps every day for better mental health. The World Health Organization(WHO) promotes the importance of mental health with the support of former and current football players.

FIFA Launched #ReachOut Campaign

While launching #ReachOut Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA stated that this campaign is mainly created to raise awareness about mental health issues. This encouragement can save a life. In FIFA’s Vision 2020-2023, they pledged they are committed to making football work for society. Gianni thanked the players and Ms. Enake, who are a part of this campaign. Depression and anxiety are largely affecting people across the world and young people are more vulnerable to such conditions. Talking with friends, family and a healthcare professional helps you stay in good mental health and also can deal with your tough time. This campaign was supported by the WHO and ASEAN to motivate people to #ReachOut.

In this campaign, FIFA legends- Aline,Cafu,Vero Boquete,Shabani Nonda, Laura Georges, Luis García,Fara Williams,Patrizia Panico,and Walter Zenga participated. FIFA.com heard from former Bolton Wanderers and Team GB forward, Marvin Sordell, and Sonny Pike about their experiences with depression. Teresa Enke revealed that she lost a loved one and also talked about her contribution to the Robert Enke Foundation.

Depression affects over 20 million people worldwide and half of the mental c start at the age of 14. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people aged between 15 to 29. Among foot players, 23 percent reported sleep disturbance and 9 percent experienced depression, and 7 percent experience anxiety. They also showed a report of old retired players, in which 28 percent of them suffered from sleep deprivation and 13 percent suffered from depression, and 11 percent experienced anxiety.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, people experienced anxiety and depression due to work from home, social isolation, unemployment, school closures. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization said that as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it is essential to look into mental and physical health. In the video awareness campaign, FIFA legends, current players, and special guests volunteered this campaign to promote mental health. They shared their lived experiences. 

Players from Cambodia, Brunei, Indonesia, Myanmar, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam support WHO’s advice on keeping our minds and bodies healthy. Secretary-General of ASEAN Dato Lim Jock Hoi stated that like physical health and safety, mental health is also important. With the support of the Chairmanship of Brunei Darussalam, ASEAN is taking action to give the proper mental and psychological support services.