Soccer club reminds people to check on their loved ones in powerful video on World Mental Health Day

Trigger Warning: The following story contains mention of suicide and mental health which some readers may find distressing

Mental health is an integral part of our well-being and ignoring it can prove to be detrimental. While most individuals give a lot of importance to their physical health, it is just as important to address our mental well-being, especially in today's fast-paced world. Norwich City Football Club recently shared a video highlighting the same on the 10th of October, which happens to be World Mental Health Day. The video went viral and shed light on how easily mental health issues can go undetected.

The caption reads, "At times, it can be obvious when someone is struggling to cope. But sometimes, the signs are harder to spot. Check-in on those around you." The video begins with a trigger warning and we get to see two men wearing the club's jersey occupying their seats at a stadium. The man on the left seems visibly disturbed, while his friend seems to be more relaxed. 

The man on the right asks his friend, "How you doing? God, it's exciting, isn't it?" Hearing these questions, his friend does not really respond. We then see the duo stand up and cheer for the team. Throughout this, the man on the left continues to seem anxious. The video cuts and the pair seem to be at another match. The man on the right asks his friend, "How's the week been?"

His friend replies dryly that it was okay. The video cuts again and the man on the left continues to remain disinterested in the match. His friend, however, seems to be more involved with what was happening at the stadium. At one point, he tells his friend, "Well, I hope things are better outside of football." Viewers then get to see just a text overlay saying, "At times, it can be obvious when someone is struggling to cope."

We then see the man on the left approach the seats and place a scarf where his friend usually sits. The man takes off his hat and looks at the camera, at which point a text overlay comes up saying, "But sometimes, the signs are harder to spot." This indicated that his supposedly happy friend had been going through something and ended up doing something drastic. The video concludes by imploring viewers to check in on the people around them. 

Mental Health Day is when individuals get together to discuss why mental health is important. According to the Mental Health Foundation, it's also a day to reassure individuals that seeking assistance is completely acceptable, regardless of the challenges they're facing. The theme of Mental Health Day 2023 is "Mental health is a universal human right." 

It was found that children and adults in lower-income groups were two or three times more likely to develop mental health problems. Moreover, asylum seekers were five times more likely to have mental health needs than the general population. Finally, it was found that an alarming 38% of people suffering from severe mental health problems also faced long-term physical conditions.