McAteer: Why we made mental health documentary

Through the Storm, an hour-long film that examines the impact of mental health problems in football and wider society, is available to watch free on YouTube and LFCTV GO.

Former Red McAteer discusses his own battle with depression, which gripped him following his retirement from the game in 2007 and he first revealed in his autobiography.

“I felt I was living a bit of a lie saying everything was OK at the end of my career, that I fell into the media and all the time on my hands was brilliant, when really it wasn’t,” he explained.

“I felt I had a bit of a duty to speak out and tell the truth; but also it was speaking for a lot of other former players of my generation who were finding it difficult to finish playing football.

“It’s like a light switch – one day you’re going in and playing, with 25 mates, with direction and drive, games to look forward to and focus on, and living in a world full of adulation and fame to an extent.

“It stops; it literally stops the next day. There is no training to go to, there’s nothing to focus on and there are no games. It was just a really difficult time.”

In the documentary, McAteer explores the effects of mental health problems – and what can be done to help – through the perspective of the Liverpool FC community.

He visits the club’s Academy and Melwood bases to interview key staff and see the work being done to protect the emotional well-being of both young and senior players.

Chris Kirkland, and wife Leeona, discuss their experiences of depression, which the former Reds goalkeeper struggled with later in his playing career.

And McAteer meets Peter Hughes, a passionate Kopite whose son, Neil ‘Yozza’ Hughes, took his own life at the age of 31 in 2016.

Peter bravely shares poignant memories of Neil and the aftermath of his passing in the hope his words will reach others in a similar position.

“Listening to Kirky, I felt it wasn’t just me in that situation. It wasn’t nice to hear him but it made me feel I wasn’t alone and someone else had felt those problems,” said McAteer.

“I found his take really interesting, what he felt mental health was to him and how his wife was his rock, and the support of his family, which was similar to me.

“I found the Academy stuff amazing; the way Alex Inglethorpe and Phil Roscoe spoke about the Academy and what they’re trying to do was uplifting and I was proud that the club has taken on this problem and realised there can be a problem if it’s not dealt with in the right manner.

“The heartbreaking part of the documentary – the very tough part – was listening to Peter’s story and talking about how losing Neil has affected his family and friends and the community. Listening to his best friend speak about him was devastating and heartbreaking.

“It was a tough ask but it was important. Sometimes you have to hit people hard, you have to get to the emotional side of people’s feelings to make them watch and realise.”

McAteer hopes the powerful nature of the documentary will not only raise awareness of mental health problems but also act as a reminder for those who are struggling that help is always available.

“The world is changing and the demands are changing,” he said.

“Kids are growing up in a world where everything is really quick, with peer pressure. Although it was there before, it’s more so now because of social media. It’s phenomenal pressure.

“For middle-aged men, there are demands – in some cases – just to put food on the table. People in jobs have deadlines to meet. You might have a problem in your personal life.

“But there’s always an alternative and the alternative is to speak to somebody and get help – because it’s out there.”

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If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in Jason McAteer: Through the Storm, the following list of organisations, drawn up by the NHS, may be able to provide help and advice.

Help and support is available right now if you need it. You don't have to struggle with difficult feelings alone.

Phone a helpline

These free helplines are there to help when you're feeling down or desperate.

Unless it says otherwise, they're open 24 hours a day, every day.

Samaritans – for everyone
Call 116 123
Text 087 2 60 90 90
Email jo@samaritans.org

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – for men
Call 0800 58 58 58 – 5pm to midnight every day 
Visit the webchat page

Papyrus – for people under 35
Call 0800 068 41 41 – Monday to Friday 10am to 10pm, weekends 2pm to 10pm, bank holidays 2pm to 5pm 
Text 07786 209697 
Email pat@papyrus-uk.org

Childline – for children and young people under 19
Call 0800 1111 – the number won't show up on your phone bill

The Silver Line – for older people
Call 0800 4 70 80 90

Zero Suicide Alliance
ZSA is a collaborative of NHS trusts, businesses and individuals who are all committed to suicide prevention in the UK and beyond. Watch their free 20-minute suicide prevention training clip here.

Talk to someone you trust

Let family or friends know what's going on for you. They may be able to offer support and help keep you safe.

There's no right or wrong way to talk about suicidal feelings – starting the conversation is what's important.

Who else you can talk to

If you find it difficult to talk to someone you know, you could:

• call your GP – ask for an emergency appointment
• call 111 out of hours – they will help you find the support and help you need
• contact your mental health crisis team – if you have one

Important

Is your life in danger?

If you have seriously harmed yourself – for example, by taking a drug overdose – call 999 for an ambulance or go straight to A&E.

Or ask someone else to call 999 or take you to A&E.

Tips for coping right now

• try not to think about the future – just focus on getting through today
• stay away from drugs and alcohol
• get yourself to a safe place, like a friend's house
• be around other people
• do something you usually enjoy, such as spending time with a pet

See more tips from Rethink.

Worried about someone else?

If you're worried about someone, try to get them to talk to you. Ask open-ended questions like: "How do you feel about...?"

Don't worry about having the answers. Just listening to what someone has to say and taking it seriously can be more helpful.

See Samaritans' tips on how to start a difficult conversation.

Rethink also has advice on how to support someone who is having suicidal thoughts.

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBs)

SOBs exists to meet the needs and break the isolation experienced by those bereaved by suicide. They are a self-help organisation and they aim to provide a safe, confidential environment in which bereaved people can share their experiences and feelings, so giving and gaining support from each other.

SOBs
Call 0300 111 5065