In recognition of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, Liam Neil, Shrewsbury Town Foundation’s Inclusion and Health and Wellbeing Officer, has penned an open letter on the topic:

To anyone who may need to hear this,

Men’s Mental Health Month is often a time when people encourage us to speak up, open, and reach out. While those messages are important, I know from personal experience that it’s not always that simple.

Over the years, I’ve faced battles that have tested me in ways I never expected.

One of the hardest experiences was losing a baby before they were even born. It’s a type of grief that often goes unseen and unspoken about. You carry hopes, dreams, and a future that suddenly disappears, yet life seems to keep moving around you. That loss leaves a mark that never truly goes away.

At the same time, I’ve watched my dad – one of the strongest men I know – face a rare form of cancer. Seeing someone you look up to fight such a difficult battle can leave you feeling helpless, scared and emotionally exhausted. It changes your perspective on life and reminds you how fragile everything can be.

Alongside that, there have been family struggles, personal challenges, and ongoing pressures from work. Like many men, I’ve often felt the weight of responsibility, believing I needed to keep going regardless of how I felt inside. There were days when getting through the day felt harder than anyone realised.

I’ve also had to navigate my own health challenges, including living with Ménière’s disease. The uncertainty that comes with medical conditions can take a toll not just physically, but mentally too. There are moments when frustration, anxiety, and exhaustion can feel overwhelming.

Through all of this, my mental health has been tested. There have been times when I’ve felt isolated, times when I’ve struggled to talk about what was really going on, and times when I’ve convinced myself I just needed to “get on with it.”

One thing that has helped me is football.

Football has given me a place to focus my mind, release stress, stay active, and reconnect with people. Whether it’s playing, watching, coaching, or simply being around the game, it has provided moments of escape and healing when I needed them most. It hasn’t solved everything, but it has reminded me that small positive outlets can make a huge difference.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that strength isn’t about pretending everything is fine. Strength is carrying on while also being honest about the fact that life can be difficult.

To any man reading this who is struggling, you are not alone. Your challenges may be different from mine, but your feelings are valid. Whether you’re dealing with grief, illness, family problems, work pressures, anxiety, depression, or simply feeling lost, there are people who care.

I often tell people that my door is always open. The truth is, sometimes I don’t take my own advice. Sometimes I’m the one who keeps things bottled up. Sometimes I’m the one who finds it difficult to reach out.

But I’m trying to learn that support works both ways.

So, this Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, I want to encourage all of us – not just to be there for others, but to allow others to be there for us too.

And remember that even the strongest people carry struggles that nobody else can see.

My door is always open, and if you’re struggling, I hope you’ll remember that yours doesn’t have to stay closed either.

Take care of yourselves, and take care of each other. Because no one should have to fight their battles alone.

Liam Neil
Inclusion and Health and Wellbeing Officer

Back To News