Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reached out to a fan who had opened up about his own struggles with mental health, and how United had helped him through difficult times.
Ryan spoke about his difficult periods on a call with TalkSPORT’s Andy Goldstein last month, explaining how he’d suffered with anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts.
He want on to talk about how watching United, along with men’s health charity Andy’s Man Club, had given him a spring in his step again, something that had been missing for a long time.
“I now wake up and know that United are on. I’m hopping around. Feeling good.” Ryan went on to say.
“Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has given me so much courage. I’ve believed in him since day one. I’m so proud and happy at how things are going right now.”
“I’ve struggled for a long time with my mental health & suicidal thoughts.”
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) January 21, 2021
“Man United have helped me turn my life around. I’m so proud & happy.”
“Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s given me so much courage, I believed in him.”
A brilliant, brave call from a #MUFC fan ? pic.twitter.com/2eqClJBHI7
The fan recently returned to Goldstein’s TalkSPORT show, revealing that the United manager had actually reached out to him with a touching letter.
Ryan shared the letter on-air, which read: “Dear Ryan, just wanted to drop you a line to say I am so glad you are doing well. It’s heartwarming to hear that Manchester United and Andy’s Man Club have kept you going through difficult times.
“We are living in strange times at the moment and we know it’s difficult for a lot of people. However, I was delighted to hear you now have a spring in your step.
“Once we get back to normal I’d love to invite you to a match or to watch training. In the meantime, we want you to keep that spring in your step and we will be doing all we can on the field.
“Take care, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.”
“Ole should be recognised for this incredible act.”
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) February 10, 2021
“He said ‘Dear Ryan, I’m so glad you’re doing well’…”
Weeks ago, Ryan called up saying how #MUFC helped turn his life around
Last night, Ryan revealed what Solskjaer said in reply.
Classy touch from the @ManUtd boss ? pic.twitter.com/Y2pu1YuIPi
It’s a lovely gesture from Solskjaer that obviously meant a hell of a lot to Ryan. Andy Goldstein deserves a lot of credit for his support through the calls too.
If you, or anyone you know is struggling with their mental health, below is a list of organisations which can help:
Anxiety UK
Charity providing support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.
Phone: 03444 775 774 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm)
Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk
Bipolar UK
A charity helping people living with manic depression or bipolar disorder.
Website: www.bipolaruk.org.uk
CALM
CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably. A charity providing a mental health helpline and webchat.
Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight)
Website: www.thecalmzone.net
Men’s Health Forum
24/7 stress support for men by text, chat and email.
Website: www.menshealthforum.org.uk
Mental Health Foundation
Provides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities.
Website: www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Mind
Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.
Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)
Website: www.mind.org.uk
No Panic
Voluntary charity offering support for sufferers of panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Offers a course to help overcome your phobia or OCD.
Phone: 0300 772 9844 (daily, 10am to 10pm). Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone provider’s Access Charge
Website: www.nopanic.org.uk
Email: sarah@nopanic.org.uk
OCD Action
Support for people with OCD. Includes information on treatment and online resources.
Phone: 0845 390 6232 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm). Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone provider’s Access Charge
Website: www.ocdaction.org.uk
OCD UK
A charity run by people with OCD, for people with OCD. Includes facts, news and treatments.
Phone: 0333 212 7890 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
Website: www.ocduk.org
PAPYRUS
Young suicide prevention society.
Phone: HOPElineUK 0800 068 4141 (9am to midnight, every day of the year)
Website: www.papyrus-uk.org
Rethink Mental Illness
Support and advice for people living with mental illness.
Phone: 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm)
Website: www.rethink.org
Samaritans
Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
Website: www.samaritans.org.uk
SANE
Emotional support, information and guidance for people affected by mental illness, their families and carers.
Textcare: comfort and care via text message, sent when the person needs it most: www.sane.org.uk/textcare
Peer support forum: www.sane.org.uk/supportforum
Website: www.sane.org.uk/support
YoungMinds
Information on child and adolescent mental health. Services for parents and professionals.
Phone: Parents’ helpline 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm)
Website: www.youngminds.org.uk
Featured image credit: Getty