WARNING: This article covers topics such as depression and suicide.
English Football League (EFL) Championship club Norwich City FC have been praised for their heartbreaking and powerful ad for men’s mental health.
Titled ‘Check in on those around you’, the ad has attracted nearly half a million views on their YouTube channel as well as millions on Instagram and TikTok reposts.
It shows two men watching Norwich games together. One is cheering, asking questions and acting lively while the other is despondent and seemingly uninterested in the game and his mate.
The crushing twist at the end of the video is that the more talkative man is no longer there, having seemingly taken his own life, and his mate is left to remember him.
“At times, it can be obvious when someone is struggling to cope,” text on the ad reads. “But sometimes the signs are harder to spot. Check in on those around you.”
It’s a poignant message delivered in a simple yet effective way. Many commenters were impressed with the ad's powerful message and have shared their personal stories with depression.
“I lost my best friend 5 years ago,” one person wrote. “Not a day goes by that I don’t think of him. Thank you for this video and its powerful message.”
“I was diagnosed with depression and am struggling with it,” another said. “Not even my wife noticed until I opened up. There are people who care and will help you.”
“Take the first step, you have nothing to lose. As a friend, ask how someone is doing. Your gut feeling is often there for a reason. Small actions can have huge impacts.”
“This video really touches something deep down,” a third added. “I don’t think I have ever felt this emotional about a mental health video before, so vital that people feel like they can talk to others about their feelings.”
If you’ve got a mate who might be struggling a bit at the moment, we encourage you to check in on them. A friendly reminder that you’re there for them can go a bloody long way.
Remember, it's not weak to speak.
We've put together a list of resources here that can help you or your mate with mental health.
