Mustafi: We can overcome problems by helping each other

Mental Health Awareness Week is taking place from 18 to 24 May and we have spoken to a number of Premier League players about their emotional wellbeing.

Shkodran Mustafi (ARS)

Remaining upbeat can be challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic but the Arsenal defender says focusing on good news and the sense of a collective national effort can help to improve our mood.

"All of the doctors are doing amazing jobs and as a nation we are trying to overcome this together, and this is something very important and very positive," says Mustafi.

"If we are able to be more positive, we can overcome all this quicker and better than if you try to pick negative things out and try to destroy our mental health."

The theme of this year's Mental Health Awareness Week is kindness, and last month Mustafi made a birthday donation of 16,000 meals to vulnerable people in Islington.

"Normally for your birthday you get presents and you are the main point of the day, but because I couldn’t be with family and friends and everybody, [I thought] maybe it’s the time to try to give instead of receive," he says.

"Especially in this time and this situation that we’re in, we need to try help each other, try be there for each other when we can, to overcome all this together."

Fans can access a library of expert advice on how to look after their mental health in the Premier League's #StayWell hub.

It shares tips and guidance from experts, the clubs and players as well as from the NHS and national organisations working in these areas to help supporters stay strong and positive.

And the hub will continue to develop, offering fans expert guidance in other areas to help maintain their health in these challenging times.

See: #StayWell hub

Also in this series

Part 1: Stevens: Tough times help you appreciate the good ones
Part 2: Choudhury: Routine helps in maintaining a good mood
Part 4: Hanley: It's important to keep perspective
Part 5: Martin: Reaching out to others opened doors for me