Beligham: “I was vulnerable and doubted myself-Mental health”

THE Judd Beligham took over the position of his ambassador Laureus And he talked about the importance of mental health for athletes. The Real English midfielder admitted that he had faced similar problems in the past and called on those who have difficulty talking openly about them.

“When I was a young player in Birmingham, I used to type my name on twitter and read everything that was said. But even if the comments were positive, I wondered: why let the views of people who don’t know how to validate what I think about myself? I thought I was a good player before reading it on Twitter, so what was the meaning of reading what others were saying? Of course, if I encountered negative comments, they would have the opposite effect. So, once again, I wondered: Why do I put this in my mental health?“, He said.

“There are aspects of social media that are valuable to an athlete. More and more people interact with them, instead of press interviews and television interviews. When you can be honest and authentic with the fans, you give them a very clear idea of ​​how you felt during a race or in your daily life. It helps you become more accessible. However, as I discovered when I was a young player, there is also a negative element I have chosen to avoid now, and I know that many other athletes have done so. Now, when I read negative comments, they don’t affect me, but nevertheless I prefer not to see them“, The international ace added.

“With the development of social media and technology, there are more ways to attack someone, make him feel bad, and I think there is still a stigma around talking about mental health. I know there were times when I felt vulnerable, I questioned myself and I needed someone to talk, but on the contrary, I tried to maintain this image of the hard athlete who didn’t need anyone. The truth is that I need, like everyone else. And you will feel much better if you talk about your feelings“, He continued.

“As athletes, it looks like we have the world in our feet or in our hands: we can do whatever we want, make a lot of money and never be influenced by it. But the reality is that if we are able to show vulnerable, a broader dialogue opens for people struggling in the dark. It is the duty of people like me, and to what we have these positions, to be models. The love athlete receives is excellent. But for every person or people who love you, there are others who despise you because of the team you are playing for or something you have done. This hate can be very tough for athletes and I can really understand those who are fighting with mental health problems. Everyone has the right to think about sports, but there should be limits to the horrible things that can be said. I’m not absolutely sure how you can limit this to social media, but I think the support network around athletes is important“, He added.

“In Real I have a very good support system for the coaches, players and stove members with whom I can talk if I feel bad. In the future, I think it is important that mental health education is present in the game. I have never been in a deep mental crisis, but I have been close to people who have been in such a position and it is sad to see it. I prefer to be the kind of teammate in whom one can come and talk about his mental health problems. The most important thing is confidence: when you have it, you feel you can withstand everything. But when you don’t have it, you may feel lower than ever, like your feet not working, like your body not working“, He concluded.