Ashly Dhani
Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
THE Footballers Union of Zimbabwe (FUZ) has launched a Mental Health Awareness programme for players under the theme “Are You Ready to Talk”.
The programme is for players to undergo mental check-ups before returning to training after a lengthy period of inactivity stretching back to March last year.
According to psychologists, suspending seasons and cancelling competitions can cause significant grief, stress, anxiety, frustration and sadness for an athlete.
Mental illness in sport is often overlooked and an athlete may be left with feelings of loneliness and abandonment, unsure of where to turn.
FUZ has engaged psychologists to help address mental health issues in domestic football.
“We are living in a world where a deadly virus is wreaking havoc. Governments around the world have imposed lockdowns to curb the spread of this virus and these lockdowns are contrary to human behaviour.
“This has resulted in a lot of mental health issues. As footballers, you thrive on physical activity to improve your mood and decrease depression and anxiety and lead a better and more balanced lifestyle. But because of the lockdown restrictions, activities have not been possible which may have an impact on one’s mental health,” said psychologist Kudakwashe Muchena.
He said mental health issues have detrimental effects that people tend to overlook.
“What happens is this may lower your self-esteem and increase sensation seeking behaviours, which are associated with a greater risk of social anxiety and depression. We are living in a deadly environment and l want to thank FUZ for coming up with an initiative to help footballers during this difficult time.
“Other physiologists and I are willing to support this initiative and work with you during this difficult time”.
He said footballers ought not to be ashamed to open up on mental illness.
“We believe that mental health is equally important as physical health.”
In the next couple of weeks, you will be getting videos of where and when to seek help; what are the types of mental health and how to identify mental health issues and when you need support.
“FUZ will be there to hold your hand during this process and it’s nothing to be afraid of as we are a team of professionals who are determined to improve mental health among our population,” Muchena said. — @innocentskizoe
Online Reporter