The international soccer league, FIFA, has promised to to continue on their path to increase their knowledge of mental health in sports. FIFA is embarking on the journey of understanding mental health issue by establishing the program #ReachOut.
FIFA's president, Gianni Infantino, stated, "“It is a privilege for FIFA to be among the first to sign the pledge for the HealthyLifeStyle4All initiative. As part of our pledge, FIFA is today launching the European version of its mental health campaign #ReachOut, in collaboration with the World Health Organization and with the support of the European Commission.”
#ReachOut is a campaign that is designed to help raise awareness of mental health symptoms that are associated with depression and anxiety. Infantino stated,
“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. FIFA is proud to launch this campaign, supported by the World Health Organization, to encourage people to #ReachOut.”
Infantino said that he believed that FIFA was good fit to talk about mental health because if the beloved athletes are able to share their stories then it will open opportunities for life saving conversations.
FIFA also stated that this initiative is needed because of the Covid-19 pandemic this is the most that people had to deal with mental health issues. FIFA stated that there are too many misconceptions about mental health and they need to be addressed. FIFA states,
"The World Health Organization is pleased to be collaborating with FIFA on the #ReachOut campaign to increase understanding of mental health conditions, how they can be prevented and treated, and to encourage people who are struggling to seek help – because there is no health without mental health.”
FIFA is following the idea of if high profile athletes are able to share stories about mental health it will inspire others to have the conversation. The campaign hears from FIFA Legends Aline, Vero Boquete, Cafu, Laura Georges, Luis García, Shabani Nonda, Patrizia Panico, Fara Williams and Walter Zenga. If these athletes can talk about mental health it will show thay anyone can.
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