On the day that the EFL launched their Team Talk campaign, Jon Taylor explains why encouraging people to speak up about what they’re going through is key to tackling mental health.
The winger admitted he’s been lucky enough to never suffer himself but he’s lost friends to mental health and believes that reaching out and talking to people can save lives.
“I had a chat with Mind Charity about mental health and I was asked why I was so passionate about it,” he said.
“I’ve been through hard times but I’m fortunate enough to have never suffered with my mental health but I’ve lost two friends that have. They passed away, they took their own lives and that was a hard time.
“If I can help people get through to people at that stage of their lives and stop another person from attempting suicide then I’d be happy with that. I can only do as much as I can do but I’m really passionate about it.”
Taylor also spoke about building resilience and coping mechanisms at a young age and encouraging young men in Academy systems to speak up if they’re struggling.
“Personally, I think people listen to you more if you can relate to them and that’s why I think I can be more relatable to young lads who are playing football - if they have upsets of not becoming a professional footballer or getting a long term injury, I think that’s where I can be more relatable and help more people.
“It’s hard for lads to speak up – there’s loads of things out there to help people but it’s getting people to talk. They’ve got to want to talk themselves.”