FIFA and ASEAN team up for mental health

As depression and anxiety affect a growing number of people in the world, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) joined forces to a large-scale campaign on social networks and online to help recognize symptoms of depression. In the words of Secretary-General of ASEAN Dato Lim Jock Hoi: "Mental health and well-being are just as important as physical health and safety." The initiative is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Named #ReachOut, the campaign encourages people in psychological distress and their loved ones to open up about depression and anxiety. "Having a conversation with family, friends or a healthcare professional can be key," the soccer governing body outlines.

To get the message across, former football stars such as Brazilian defender Cafú and Spanish striker Luis García, as well as current athletes, are lending their support in a video posted on FIFA's networks on August 2. The organization is also providing awareness kits to its 211 member associations.

This action comes after WHO and FIFA signed a four-year collaborative agreement in 2019 to promote healthy lifestyles through soccer around the world.

Depression, the fourth most frequent cause of death for 15-29-year-olds

This condition, which affects more than 260 million people worldwide, is the fourth leading cause of death among young people aged 15-29 years, reports the WHO. Moreover, "around half of all mental health conditions start by age 14."

Among footballers, this long-ignored disorder is becoming more and more visible. According to FIFPRO, it affects 9% of active footballers. Seven percent suffer from anxiety while 23% report sleep disorders.