The world football body, FIFA, has a UN-backed campaign designed to raise awareness of potentially damaging mental health issues, and encourage people everywhere to seek help when they need it.

Reach-Out campaign, has teamed up with the World Health Organization (WHO), and the influential Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to underscore how important it is to spot symptoms of deteriorating mental health early.

In a joint press release with WHO, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, said: "This campaign is very important in raising awareness about mental health conditions and encouraging a conversation which could save a life."

"In FIFA's Vision 2020-2023, we pledge our commitment to make football work for society, and I thank the players and Ms. Enke, who have contributed to this important initiative."

"Depression and anxiety affect rising numbers of people worldwide, and young people are among the most vulnerable. Having a conversation with family, friends or a healthcare professional, can be key. FIFA is proud to launch this campaign, supported by WHO and ASEAN to encourage people to #ReachOut."

The campaign features some of soccer's most legendary players, including Aline, Vero Boquete, Cafu, Laura Georges, Luis García, Shabani Nonda, Patrizia Panico, Fara Williams and Walter Zenga.

"As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it is as important as ever to look after our mental and physical health," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization. "WHO is delighted to support the #ReachOut campaign, spearheaded by FIFA, to encourage people to talk about their mental health."

Depression, suicide

FIFA.com also highlights the former Bolton Wanderers and Team GB forward, Marvin Sordell, and Sonny Pike, who at 14, were labelled the 'next big thing', about their experiences living and playing with depression.

Teresa Enke also discusses the pain of losing a loved one to suicide, and her work with the Robert Enke Foundation.

Depression affects more than 260 million people globally while around half of all mental health conditions start by the age of 14, according to the news release. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in young people aged 15-29.

Among active football players, 23 percent report suffering from disturbed sleep, while nine percent have reported depression and a further seven percent, suffer from anxiety.

Working from home, unemployment, school closures and social isolation have affected people around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic; the challenges for people with mental health conditions, for whom access to treatment has, in many cases, been disrupted, are even greater.

(With input from UN-News)