Let’s be serious here…Mental health is not really something we open up about and recently it’s becoming a big thing for people to talk about it. It’s great that there are things out there to help support people through everything they’re going through, but people do try and ignore these things. If you could spare 10 or so minutes reading this and giving it a share then you are an absolute hero because we can’t ignore this any longer!
You may attend a wrestling show on different days of the week and whilst there you meet people from all different walks of life. It’s what makes wrestling so great! You may not know that people in that room may also suffer from a mental health condition or know someone that does. One thing that I have found is that it affects people in different ways. I have successfully managed to keep my battle under control and am forever thankful for people that have been there for me. But more on them later. We take a lot for granted in this throw away society that we live in and I feel like now is the time to give something back. This isn’t just for people with mental health issues as much as I would like them to be a main focus, rather for everyone, because sometimes we are always going to need someone.
PROGRESS Wrestling came into my life many years ago at a Smackdown taping when me and my friends happened to be sat behind Jim and Glen. We noticed their t shirts and had a bit of a chat and they seemed great people. We didn’t know too much about them at the time, but as a fan of wrestling for over 20 years, I have always been happy to watch something new that will grab my eye. Download Festival 2015 was the first time I managed to catch a show live, which led to me watching all the shows they put on over that weekend, all of which were fantastic! A few years later, I managed to get to a Chapter show (basically one of their main PPV-style shows) for the first time. In that weekend alone, friendships were made that weekend that have had a true impact on my life. As time has gone on I’ve attended more and more independent wrestling shows, meeting people up and down the country and all for one reason – love of this crazy little thing called professional wrestling! PROGRESS, like so many of the modern independent companies, pride themselves on togetherness, inclusivity and people having a good time. The whole thing just blows my mind as it’s brilliant!
Anxiety and other mental health problems can sometimes prevent people from attending or affect their experience of a show. It’s important that we try to help people, and prove to them that wrestling fans are some of the best fans in the world – no matter what the internet might have you believe! Perhaps the next time you go to a show and find yourself next to someone that isn’t part of your group, say hello. You already know that you have already have one thing in common, so there’s a good chance that these people share other similar interests. Have a chat, enjoy yourself and potentially walk away with a new friend. This has happened to me and I wouldn’t change the guys and girls for the world and they all know who they are! I know this is easier said than done, and not everyone is necessarily going to be interested in talking, but if you’re confident enough there’s no harm in just saying hello. You might brighten someone’s day, you might simply reassure someone who was worried they wouldn’t feel welcome. It’s what the wrestling community should be seen as – a welcoming environment where you can make life-long friends and fantastic memories.
Let it be known now that the focus should now return to what we can do to help people talk. It’s not always easy and you should never force it. If someone wants to chat back, they will. That said, even those who are receptive aren’t going to chat about everything to you straight away. However, by simply making yourself available you have opened the door for them to talk about things to someone else later on. Likewise, if you are struggling to talk about your problems and fears, please remember that you are never alone. A big focus lately is on Male suicide because as men there remains a societal stigma that we shouldn’t talk about our problems, but we also shouldn’t forget about mental health that will affect humans of any gender identity, because none of us are alone. We are all in this together so let’s change this! Talking about problems doesn’t make you weak, because it’s human nature to struggle. What’s more, people care and people WILL listen. As wrestling fans, if we could make the first step into someone’s life to brighten their day, to have a chat or a drink (whatever their tipple) with them, then maybe it will help to get people talking. Okay, not everyone is going to agree with this, but perhaps for those who do then today could be the start of something great. This could be a time for people to come together especially when you see all the bad going on in the world and just make a bit of good.
You’re never alone no matter what.
Wrestling fans are one big family, and we’re waiting to welcome you with open arms!
Thank you for taking the time to reading this, and please feel free to share it too. For further reading, please check the links below. This can prove useful if you are (or know) someone that needs or wants help. A lot of these organisations are confidential, anonymous and can help you a lot!
www.mentalhealth-uk.org
www.thecalmzone.net
www.samaritans.org – or you can call them on 116 123
www.mind.org.uk
www.womenatwish.org.uk
If there are any other organisations you’d like to give a shout out to, please let me know and I’ll happily add them. While this article is primarily aimed at UK readers, if you are reading from outside the UK please don’t hesitate to contact your local mental health charity or suicide hotline!
Thank you once again you are all amazing!
