Bruno urges sufferers not to "Bottle things up or refuse to accept that you need a bit of support"
British boxing legend Frank Bruno fears lockdown will leave rising numbers of people suffering mental health problems “for years to come”.
Ahead of the Government's recent announcements regarding the lifting of restrictions, the retired World Champion, Frank Bruno, says he can’t wait for life to return to normal not least because of the damage restrictions are causing for so many.
The 59-year-old, whose charity The Frank Bruno Foundation supports those suffering mental health problems, said: “We had a big enough problem with mental illness health before Covid-19 but now I fear things are going to be a lot, lot worse.”
With gyms closed, many boxers took to backyard fitness playgrounds to maintain both their physical and mental health.
“I know from the work I do with my Foundation that there are many people out there really suffering right now, especially young people and it is vital they get the support they need.
“More and more people are developing illnesses. And I worry that without proper help some will be suffering for years and years to come.”
In a further bid to bring about change, Frank is releasing a new children’s book, called 'Worried Frank'. It aims to raise awareness of how kids can be impacted by mental ill health.
Frank, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after retiring from boxing, has also been raising money for his Foundation by talking about his own fight with mental ill health with fans on new celebrity website 'Get Close And Personal'.
Frank, who has long backed the Sunday Mirror's 'Time To Change' campaign, said: “I’ve been sectioned and had mental health problems for many years. There’s no shame in it. The biggest problem arrives when you bottle things up and don’t talk about it or refuse to accept that you need a bit of support. My advice to anyone going through a bad day is talk to someone. Make that step.”
To talk to Frank talk about his battle and help raise funds to support those with mental ill health visit getcloseandpersonal.com
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