Ben's story

In the week that the Time to Change campaign is encouraging people to talk about mental health we asked one of our participants to tell us about their experiences and how becoming involved in the Coping Through Project had changed their life:

Ben’s story

I had been unemployed for a number of years and was experiencing depression and anxiety.  I avoided social situations as I found this made my anxiety worse. My G.P referred me for counselling and during this time I heard about Coping Through Football.  I had enjoyed football in the past and realised that exercise could help me feel less depressed.  I mentioned the project to my Occupational Therapist who encouraged me to contact the project.

Despite feeling very nervous and anxious about attending the group for the first time I felt reassured by the fact that everyone else there had similar problems.  I attended the sessions regularly after this as I wanted to break my routine of staying in the house and avoiding people.

I  found that meeting people in the same situation as me or sometimes worse helped me to realise that I wasn’t alone and my problems were not as bad.  I found it inspirational to see other clients improving their lives and going on to get work or attend college courses.

After attending the session for a few months and setting myself goals with the Project Coordinator I decided to enrol on an FA coaching course so that l could return to paid work as a football coach.  I found the fact that other clients had completed the coaching courses very inspiring.

I have been attending the project for two and a half years; I now feel more confident and find it easier to talk to people in social situations.  Although I still experience anxiety at times I am now able to manage the symptoms.  My weekly routine has more structure and I feel I now have a purpose and when people ask what my job is I can tell them that I am a football coach.