For many young people, talking about their mental health can feel difficult. For some, family expectations, stigma and fear of judgment can make asking for help even harder.

As we mark World Mental Health Day on 10 October, one young man accessing NELFT's Coping Through Football programme has shared his experience of overcoming those barriers and why seeking support early can make all the difference.

He hopes his story will encourage others to reach out for help when they need it.

Please listen to his story:

Growing up, he says conversations about mental health were rare.

"There wasn't really an understanding of mental health. If you were struggling, you just got on with it. It wasn't something people talked about openly."

Like many young men, he felt pressure to appear strong and keep his emotions to himself.

"I thought I had to deal with everything on my own. You don't want people thinking you're weak or that something is wrong with you."

Over time, however, he realised that bottling up his feelings was having a negative impact on his wellbeing.

"There is still a lot of stigma, but things are changing. Talking about your mental health doesn't make you weak. It takes strength to ask for help."

"The earlier you speak to someone, the better. You don't have to wait until things get really bad. I think that's something more people need to hear."

One source of support he has found valuable is Coping Through Football, a programme delivered in partnership with NELFT, London Playing Fields Foundation (LPFF) and the Leyton Orient Trust. It is designed to help people improve their mental wellbeing in a welcoming and informal environment.

The initiative combines the shared passion of football with opportunities to talk, connect with others and access professional support. Mental health specialists and peer supporters deliver sessions and can connect people with additional services if needed.

For him, the football aspect helped remove some of the barriers he had previously felt around accessing support.

"When you're playing football, it feels natural. You're not sitting in a clinic or being asked difficult questions straight away. You get to know people, build trust and start talking."

The programme has also highlighted the importance of seeing others openly discuss their mental health experiences.

"It's helped me realise that everyone goes through things. Hearing other people's stories makes you feel less alone and more comfortable speaking about what's going on in your own life."

Don't wait. Speak to someone you trust. There are people and services who want to help and can help.

At NELFT, we know that early support can make a significant difference to mental health and wellbeing. This World Mental Health Day, we encourage anyone who may be struggling to reach out, start a conversation and access help when they need it.

 

Urgent Mental Health Support

For urgent mental health support, please call NHS 111 and select option 2 or visit I need help with my mental health - Adult and child mental health resources. | NELFT NHS Foundation Trust .

 

Other support

Samaritans are available 24/7 and offer a free anonymous non-judgemental listening service. They can be reached by phone on 116 123

Hub of Hope -  the UK’s largest mental health support directory

Shout 85258– confidential text crisis service

 

The first steps

If you think you need help, your first point of contact will nearly always be your GP.

Your GP will ask you about your symptoms and feelings, then direct you to the help you need. Most people will be helped by their GP, either by medication or by arranging for you to receive counselling from a trained person. But you might be referred to one of our more specialist services.

 

About Coping Through Football

Coping Through Football is a multi-agency partnership between NELFT, London Playing Fields Foundation (LPFF) and the Leyton Orient Trust that uses the power of sport to support young people's mental wellbeing. Led by mental health professionals and peer supporters, the programme provides a safe and welcoming environment where participants can build connections, share experiences and access further support where appropriate.