9 steps: How England's top flight clubs are improving the mental health of players and fans

March 13 - Mental health has become a crucial issue in today's football landscape, as there is growing recognition in the game that it is as important as physical health. It's still relatively new, after decades of an unhealthy emphasis on bottling emotions. It's a habit that is gradually being deconstructed with England's top flying clubs increasingly at the forefront of an attitude overhaul.

Football has always been a more masculine arena, with discussions of mental health and emotional well-being rare. New generations of gamers are showing that they're increasingly keen to use their massive platforms to change that perception and show fans of all genders and ages that it's okay to talk about mental health. /p>

Partnership with mental health charities

Many clubs have chosen to partner with mental health charities in an effort to bring mental health to the public's attention. This has provided many clubs with valuable partnerships and access to the best help and resources to improve the mental health of their players and fans. In turn, the partnerships have helped mental health charities reach a wider audience and raise awareness of the issues faced by more people across the UK.

Provide services of sports psychologists

The presence of psychologists and other mental health professionals for their players has been a major trend in recent years. Some clubs employ a team of in-house mental health professionals, while others encourage players to find suitable professionals and fund their services.

Top-level football is a high-pressure environment, and without proper mental health care, players are at risk of burnout or other mental health issues. By providing mental health care in the workplace, football clubs are taking essential steps to help players maintain good mental health.

Be open about mental health on social media

Social media can be a powerful tool to help spread important messages. Although it has been linked to poor mental health itself, there is no denying that social media can raise awareness of the issues. Many top players have used their considerable influence on social media to help promote mental health online by sharing their own experiences or engaging in concerted social media campaigns to raise awareness.

Encourage recreation that promotes mental health

One of the most important things for mental health is having a well-balanced and rewarding life. For players and fans, that means making sure they have something other than football in their lives. Having a wide range of hobbies can be invaluable for your mental health, and encouraging other interests has been an effective way for people to manage mental health issues and prevent burnout.

Hobby like crafts or works of art are popular among footballers and fans. Gambling is another great pastime, whether you're using a console or an older game like slots or poker. You can explore online casinos to find great gaming options.

Promote the use of mental wellness tools

Many top clubs have adopted different tools to promote the mental health and well-being of their players. This includes things like meditation apps, social media management tools, and fitness trackers. These are tools that fans can also use to promote stress relief and relaxation. Finding everyday tools that can benefit mental health can be invaluable in maintaining your well-being.

Helping players navigate their way to retirement

Retirement can be a very stressful time for football players, and many professionals are unsure of their next steps after retirement. Coaching and commentary are popular next steps for footballers, but the number of positions available is significantly lower than the number of players retiring over the years.

Finding something fulfilling to do after a successful football career can be difficult, and many former players have struggled with mental health issues as a result. Clubs are now taking steps to help players retire and give them advice and training on possible roles to play in the future, even outside the football industry.

Demonstrate the importance of diet and exercise

Top footballers are in peak physical condition throughout their careers, and the benefits of good physical health have been linked to better mental health. By sharing exercise and meal plans with fans, footballers can empower people to take control of their physical health and reap the mental health benefits that come with it.

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