A Manchester United fan has bravely opened up about how the club have helped turn his life around after a long battle with mental health problems.
In an emotional call with Andy Goldstein on talkSPORT, United fan Ryan explained his struggle with anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts, and how he never had a 'spring in his step' in life.
"I've always carried these things with me throughout life." he explained.
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But Ryan then goes on to speak about how Manchester United, along with Andy's Man Club - a support group for men - have helped him turn his life around.
"I now wake up and know that United are on. I'm hopping around. Feeling good." he said.
"Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has given me so much courage. I've believed in him since day one. I'm so proud and happy at how things are going right now."
Check out the full video from talkSPORT below:
Ryan goes on to speak about why Solskjaer is the man to bring success back to Old Trafford.
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"I believe in him, I love him," he says. "He's given a lot of courage. I'll tell you why. When United won the treble and Ole scored that second goal in the final. I was on a green in Manchester. I went running around that green, screaming and shouting!"
Goldstein then asks if Ryan has good people around him to talk to.
"I've got fantastic people around me," he says. "especially because of Andy's Man Club - a men's mental health charity, a peer-to-peer support group who meet in different places, and through it they've given me support and a lot of encouragement.
"I'm turning my life around."
Here's a list of the leading mental health helplines and services that are just a call away in the UK:
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- Samaritans are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and will talk to you about anything that's bothering you. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone), email [email protected] or visit some branches in person. You can also call the Welsh Language Line on 0300 123 3011 from 7pm to 11pm every day.
- The Mix take calls from under 25s on 0808 808 4994 from Sunday to Friday, 2pm to 11pm. You can request support by email using the form on The Mix website or using their crisis text messenger service.
- Papyrus HOPELINEUK is there for under 35s struggling with suicidal feelings, or those who are concerned about a young person who might be struggling. You can call them on 0800 068 4141 on weekdays from 9am to 10pm, on weekends from 2pm to 10pm, and on bank holidays from 2pm to 10pm. You can also email [email protected] or text 07786 209 697.
- The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) caters specifically to males on 0800 58 58 58 from 5pm to midnight every day. Alternatively, you can use their webchat service.
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- The Nightline website allows students to see if their university or college offers a night-time listening service. Nightline phone operators are all students too.
- Switchboard is there for people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender and can be reached on 0300 330 0630 from 10am to 10pm every day. You can also email here or use their webchat service. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+.
- The Community Advice and Listening Line (C.A.L.L). is available for those who live in Wales and can be contacted on 0800 132 737, which is open 24/7. You can also text 'help' followed by a question to 81066.
Featured Image Credit: talkSPORT/PA
Topics: Football News, Football, Manchester United, Mental Health, Premier League
