I’ve spoken about mental health in the past including my own. I’m quite open about the struggles and the tools I use. Every day is different and the mental health is no different, some days are good, some not so but the bit I find worrying is that aside from the individual themselves, nobody would probably know someone is not in the right place. There’s a great advert by Samaritans & Norwich City FC which you find here which I think sums it up 
But I wanted to talk about how football has helped me and my life and family. My lad got involved this year with Holywell Town, our local team and from there I’ve been tagging along. I didn’t really plan to do anything more than ferry the lad around but I kept going to training, sitting in the stands at the back just watching, thinking and at times not even watching the football. It got me out of the house and at times out of my head which was a lifesaver as normally I’d be at home sat with nothing much to do.
Things escalated and I got more in to it, going to games. I keep myself to myself and try and hide but it’s my escape for a few hours. Months have gone on now, I know most of the people that go and feel part of it which was the biggest hurdle.
But then I got the idea for the magazine and from there, the imposter syndrome sets in and I’ve had to push, be a bit cheeky maybe and try and grow something I adore but it all comes back to one thing. It makes me happy and makes me feel like I have a purpose finally.
I have two kids yes, they are my world but I needed something to fill the void when they are not there as we have split custody and football and more importantly local Welsh football has helped to fill that void. But it’s not just the football, it’s the people. I’ve spoken to many people now and response has been great. There is such positivity in a world I always thought to be a bit manly and rough and ready when it is actually really welcoming and inclusive. The support for the mag project has been unbelievable and drives me to do more and do it better. Not once have I felt I don’t want to do it.
I think what I wanted to say in this was football has got me out of the house, got me doing something I love and talking to people I would have avoided in fear of being judged. I urge you to consider getting out to watch a team or go do something that gets you talking and in the end learning about life as you think you know it all until you go looking.