Chronicle Editor
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
OVER a decade after the tragic suicide death of Germany international goalkeeper Robert Enke after suffering mental health problems, Fifa this week launched the #ReachOut campaign aimed at raising mental health awareness and to encourage people to openly seek help.
The campaign has the backing of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Enke threw himself in front of a moving train on November 10, 2009, and it later emerged that the 32-year-old, who was capped eight times for his country, had undergone several rounds of psychiatric treatment for depression from 2003.
Enke, who played for Borussia Monchengladbach, Benfica, Barcelona and Fenerbahce during his career, asked his family and doctors to forgive him in a suicide note.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino said the campaign is important in raising mental health awareness and encouraging a conversation that could save a life.
“In Fifa’s Vision 2020-2023, we pledge our commitment to make football work for society, and I thank the players and Ms (Teresa) Enke (Robert’s widow), who have contributed to this important initiative. 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 Organisation, to encourage people to #ReachOut,” said Infantino.
During the #ReachOut campaign launch, Teresa, who set up the Robert Enke Foundation in 2010, said: “Depression is a disease, not a weakness.”
According to Fifpro (the global representative for professional football players), depression affects more than 260 million people in the world, while around half of all mental health conditions start by the age 14. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in young people aged between 15 and 29.
Among active football players, 23 percent report sleep disturbance, while nine percent have reported depression and a further seven percent suffer from anxiety.
Among retired players, these figures increase, with 28 percent struggling to sleep and depression and anxiety affecting 13 percent and 11 percent respectively.
“As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, it is as important as ever to look after our mental and physical health. WHO is delighted to support the #ReachOut campaign, spearheaded by Fifa to encourage people to talk about their mental health,” said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
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