There are many, differing forms, and it can affect us all in so many, many different ways, and, as we go through Wold Mental Health Day, highlighting those who have maybe suffered, quite often in silence, or even work within is paramount.
Here at the Nottingham Sport, we caught up with a few of Nottingham’s finest, including that of Nottingham Caesars’ British American Football defensive back, Scott Barnard; a player who, have played the past several season with the Renegades at Nottingham Trent University, has just finished his first campaign under Vanden Warner, with the Caesars.
Digressing somewhat, and according to the website, www.wfmh.global (World Federation of Mental Health), the 2021 World Mental Health Day, and its topic ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World,’ shows that:
“The world is increasingly polarized, with the very wealthy becoming wealthier, and the number of people living in poverty still far too high. 2020 highlighted inequalities due to race and ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity, and the lack of respect for human rights in many countries, including for people living with mental health conditions,” and that its chosen theme “highlight that access to mental health services remains unequal, with between 75% to 95% of people with mental disorders in low- and middle-income countries unable to access mental health services at all, and access in high income countries is not much better.
“Lack of investment in mental health disproportionate to the overall health budget contributes to the mental health treatment gap.”
Now, as a third year honours student at Nottingham Trent University, studying microbiology, the 24-year-old, admitting himself, has already been through quite a bit in regards his mental health, especially for one so young – but he keeps dusting himself, and carrying on the best he can.
Beginning with a look back at his first season at the Caesars though, and a step up in challenge, which in itself can bring its own, mental, and physical challenges, the young BAFA star said:” I’ve really enjoyed it.
“There’s a great atmosphere, very family-orientated, and it shows the big difference to the BUCS games (at university).
“It was a bit of a jump though, the step-up, from uni, to the Caesars, and I’d admit it took a couple of weeks to adjust, but I’m pleased I did it.”
Although the Caesars enjoyed an undefeated, divisional campaign, their one blot on the copy-book, a cross-divisional reverse against the Manchester Titans, Barnard’s move back to the Renegades hasn’t gone quite as smoothly, he currently nursing a short-term injury.
Not expected to keep him out long, four-to-five weeks at best, it’s another, something, which will play on the mind of a young athlete.
Add to that ongoing mental health issues going back, in reality, about a decade, Barnard’s opening up will shine a light on the status of the condition in the present day, mental health being affected so much more by the ongoing pandemic than anything else.
“I’m lucky myself, coming through both anxiety and depression,” admits Scott.
“I was diagnosed at twenty, but it started really when I was about 15-16-years-old.
“Things though, they just happen, and it can trigger – you can tell when people are getting worse, especially as I can hide it myself, so I can see it in others.”
Even before the 2021 BAFA campaign finally kicked into life, there was some dark days and nights for the defensive back, holding him back in a way that only depression can. He did fight through it, after a month or so with his head locked away.
“I did have a few months before this season started when I had a downer,” continued Scott.
“It helped having the older people around me (at the Caesars), checking in on me, especially when I did come back.
“I don’t really deal with things, setbacks well, but you just have to keep trying, and get back out there whilst looking to the future, and I’m excited as to what the Caesars can do.”
Moving forward though, Scott, and others, are united in their thoughts about what is needed in order to help with mental health issues, with the stigma of that within men still just as strong today as it has before.
“There’s a need for a strong support network, someone to talk when you need that help,” states Scott.
“As I’ve mentioned, it can happen anytime, and for the stupidest of reasons; you also need to be more open about it which is hard, especially when you are put into talking with complete strangers.
“It’s scary, completely different, frustrating in regards the experiences.”
*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).
*Main image @JoePoskitt Barnard in action for the Nottingham Caesars.
