There are still worryingly many taboo topics in public. While people will talk openly about the underworld of crime, the lives of so-called public personalities and many other things, one that should be often isn’t. Mental health issues are still something that most people are hiding away from, afraid of the stigma that historically came with it. But thankfully, some people realise how important it is to bring some issues to light.Werder Bremen’s 24-year-old midfielder Niklas Schmidt surprised many reporters with what he had to say in the wake of his team’s friendly with Spanish side Murcia on Wednesday afternoon. Despite scoring a lovely goal against the third-tier Spanish side, Niklas revealed that “other things have been more important to him in the last few months”.”I had significant mental problems. If other people close to you are worried about you, you need help or family advice, even if you don’t want to hear it at the moment. I did this. I just want to clear my head and get my joy of living back.”##EDITORS_CHOICE##The holiday over Christmas with the family did him good. When the Kassel-born talks about his mental problems, he looks pretty cheerful – something that isn’t expected in a conversation where the name of Robert Enke, the German international who took his life, is mentioned.”It’s about dealing with it openly and showing that it can happen to us footballers, too. Unfortunately, it is still taboo, but it is all the more important to express these problems. If someone has problems in football, they don’t have to eat it up as Robert Enke did. You should be open about it and ask for help. It’s no shame. Unfortunately, it’s still a taboo subject.”Some time ago, Schmidt first informed his teammate Romano Schmid and Werder’s head coach Ole Werner about his mental problems. He was inspired by Bayern’s French international Benjamin Pavard, who chose to speak about his depression last year.”I just wanted to get rid of it. Romano and Ole were very open about it, so it wasn’t a problem for anyone. Depression is a big word, and I will work with my psychologist to find out exactly what it is for me. I saw a report about Pavard, where he addressed this issue. I found myself in it.”⏱️11. MinTOR! Klasse Schuss von Niklas #Schmidt aus der zweiten Reihe, der im langen Eck einschlägt. ⚽️ ⚽️ 0:1 #RMCFSVW | #Werder pic.twitter.com/jaspWYVlWm— SV Werder Bremen (@werderbremen) January 4, 2023 Despite the psychological problems, Schmidt wants to make headlines for his achievements on the pitch.”I’ll do my thing in football and try to meet the demands.”We at Mozzart Sport Kenya applaud Niklas and ask anyone who is struggling to talk to their friends, family, or anyone. There is no shame in being unwell.
