Warning: This article contains discussions of suicide and mental illness.
Rhys Bennett flies into the Carrington training ground for Manchester United, where he is expected to play professional football for 22 years, with a blast of energy.
Apart from a knee injury he is recovering from so he can start a loan move to a League One club next month, defender Bennett is tall and confident, lean and physically fit, and he offers a strong handshake. He also talks about his developing DJ skills.
Bennett has impressed while on loan at Fleetwood, leading United’s final FA Youth Cup-winning team in 2022.
He is not talking about that at this time, though.
A heartbreaking message he posted on social media on October 28th raises important issues for Bennett to address.
He said, “Broken, devastated, just don’t want to believe it’s real.” In both your current and future life, I love you.
His father, David, who had committed suicide, was the subject of the message.
Bennett wants to engage in conversation and plead with those struggling with mental health to take a different path than his father did in order to share the suffering of those who are left behind.
David and the rest of his family gave their time to support Rhys and Megan, a mental health worker.
According to Bennett, “He was very hardworking.” You look up to your father as you get older, especially as a son. You aspire to emulate him.
He “has given me a lot over the years, including my perseverance and work ethic.” I’ll forever be grateful for the time my parents, my mother, and I gave me to realize my dream. No matter what, they were there for me always.
They are unaware of how much they are cherished and how they affect people. You want to witness countless more laughter and cries and whatever. He has done a lot for me, and I appreciate it.
You still have to celebrate his life and reflect on the positive events of his life, even though it’s a sad situation and the last chapter wasn’t a good one.
“If I could talk to him more often, I would say how thankful I am for him as a person, how deeply I love him, and how much I really appreciate him. Before it is gone, you can’t tell what you have.
Bennett has a clear explanation for why he should speak to BBC Sport. He desires assistance. He acknowledges that it is possible that an interview may have helped a particular person, but that is not the point.
“I want to discuss how important it is to express how special it is to live, breathe, eat, and sleep,” she said. He says, “You have to be appreciative of what you have.”
“Someone might be feeling a certain way, but hopefully this nudges them in the direction of a person who might just check on them and ask if they are okay.”
A powerful and moving video from Norwich City in 2023 highlighted how difficult it can be to identify those who are struggling with mental health.
The fan who appears burdened and introverted in the video is actually the one who lays a scarf in honor of his ostensibly bubbly and extrovert friend.
Bennett makes a strong point.
He claims that people don’t want to burden someone else by wearing masks.
They can put on a brave face, then leave and be so upset and struggling to cope. They might be desperate for someone to simply ask, “Are you alright?” ‘.
There shouldn’t be a situation where you believe they’re okay because that’s the thing. Simply ask, “How are you?” ‘.
It’s such a straightforward statement. It is not a chore. Simply put, it’s talking and connecting. You are unaware of the potential impact on someone.
Bennett, who has had such a terrible experience, does not think that he is brave when he speaks out in public.
For him, the situation is straightforward, especially given how frequently the stereotypical happy family is being portrayed in the media.
He says, “I don’t want people to feel sorry for me.” That’s not who I am as a person.
“I want to try to help,” I said. Knowing that it might resonate with someone and influence their decision to change their lives, I have peace of mind.
It’s the time when you gather and interact with your family in ways that you probably wouldn’t normally do.
“But you should never speak at a time of year.” It ought to run the entire year.
Bennett is so upset that he will never be able to speak to his father again. However, he will always have his memory atop his head, both in good and bad times.
He claims that it gives you a different perspective and a purpose.
“Dad wouldn’t want that to stymie my career or alter my outlook on life, despite what has happened, it is terrible.”
He seemed to have had too much of an interest in him, but all he ever wanted was to succeed. That will be with me forever.
Because he won’t ever see it, the things I accomplish in life will be bittersweet.
However, it still motivates you. You feel compelled to do this for him, my family, and myself, because of it.
He is always there with me in spirit, even in bad days and good days, I am certain.
Bennett is coming to an end. You do not know whether he is finished, though, as you do now or in the future. One more message is left for him.
He advises, “Just reach out.”
“It doesn’t matter what time of day it is,” he said. 24-hour helplines are available. Friends, family. Reach out and make a connection. Talk to others. Be available.
related subjects
- Manchester United
- Premier League
- Football
