As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, we collaborated with the Premier League to publish an Inside Matters Handbook featuring tips and advice for understanding and tackling anxiety, with contributions from all 20 Premier League clubs.
The handbook comes shortly after two match rounds when all Premier League fixtures were dedicated to the Inside Matters campaign, as the League and clubs reinforced their commitment to supporting the mental wellbeing of players, fans and those in communities.
Players including Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, Eberechi Eze, Callum Wilson, Declan Rice and Trent Alexander-Arnold feature alongside specialist club and Foundation staff and Shout's wellbeing experts.
Everyone suffers from poor mental health at different times in their life and there’s so many people out there who feel like there isn’t a light at the end of the tunnel – but all it takes is a conversation. It’s about having that support network and having people you can speak to.
Declan Rice West Ham UnitedHarry Kane, captain of Tottenham Hotspur and England, encourages people “not to be afraid to ask for help.” He continues: “It’s just as important to look after our mental health and wellbeing, as it is to care for our physical health. I believe in normalising conversations to help tackle stigma and promote positive habits.”
Any Premier League fans experiencing anxiety can text the word "TeamTalk" to 85258 to receive free, confidential and 24/7 support from Shout, in partnership with the Premier League.
Tips and advice featured in the handbook focus on boosting wellbeing and supporting positive mental health in various ways, including spending time outdoors, regular physical activity, breathing exercises and talking to someone you trust.
Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has underlined the importance of allowing yourself adequate rest. He said: “Sleep is crucial when it comes to my mental and physical wellbeing. As part of my commitment to prioritising my mental health, sleep is one of the most important.”
If you are struggling with your mental health try to find someone who you can trust and express yourself. Don’t hold anything in, speak out and it will help solve the issue… I try to help everyone as much as I can. Whether that is my teammates or family or friends, I try to be consistent when helping others.
Cesar Azpilicueta Chelsea captain