Information and Support

Anxiety is a natural response to stress or perceived threat and feeling anxious is a perfectly natural reaction to some situation​​s. Anxiety affects how we feel physically, mentally, and how we behave. It often shows up as a sense of fear, dread, or unease this ranges from mild discomfort to intense distress.Anxiety can become a problem when we start worrying excessively about minor or harmless situations, or when it starts to interfere with daily life or strain relationships, or when it feels intense, overwhelming, or hard to control.

You might be struggling with your anxiety if…

• You often feel on edge, even when nothing obvious is wrong.
• Your mind races with ‘what ifs’ or worst-case scenarios.
• You avoid situations, people, or places because they make you feel uneasy or panicked.
• You have trouble sleeping or relaxing because your thoughts won’t slow down.
• Your body feels tense, your heart races, or you feel sick, especially during stress.
• You worry about things most people would consider small or manageable.
• The stress or fear you feel is starting to interfere with training, playing, learning, or relationships.

Everyone gets anxious sometimes, but if your worry feels constant, overwhelming, or starts taking over parts of your life, it might be time to talk to someone. You’re not alone, and support can make a huge difference.

Contact Sporting Chance anytime, our dedicated mental health partner who will be able to help.

07780 00 88 77 |  support@sportingchanceclinic.com  | Self-Referral Form

It’s normal to feel low from time to time, but depression is different. It’s a deep, persistent sadness that lasts for weeks or even months, not just a few days.

Some people mistakenly believe depression is minor or “all in your head.” But that’s not true. Depression is a real medical condition with real symptoms, and it’s not a sign of weakness. You can’t just “snap out of it” or “pull yourself together” and you don’t have to face it alone.

You might have depression if…

• You feel low, empty, or numb most days, even if you can’t explain why.
• You’ve lost interest in things you used to enjoy, even spending time with people you care about.
• You’re tired all the time, even after a full night’s sleep.
• Your appetite or sleep patterns have changed noticeably.
• You often feel worthless, hopeless, or like you’re a burden to others.
• You have trouble focusing or making decisions, even about small things.
• You just don’t feel like yourself, and it’s been going on for more than a couple of weeks.

Everyone feels down sometimes, but if the sadness won’t lift, or life feels harder than it should, you might be dealing with depression. You’re not weak or broken, and you don’t have to go through it alone. Support can truly help.

Contact Sporting Chance anytime, our dedicated mental health partner who will be able to help.

07780 00 88 77 |  support@sportingchanceclinic.com  | Self-Referral Form

People with PTSD often relive the traumatic event through flashbacks or nightmares, and may feel isolated, on edge, irritable, or weighed down by guilt.Sleep problems, like insomnia, and difficulty concentrating are also common. These symptoms can be intense and long-lasting, often interfering with daily life, work, and relationships.

You might be dealing with PTSD if…

• You’ve experienced or witnessed something traumatic, and it still affects you long after it happened.
• You have vivid flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts that bring you right back to the moment.
• You feel constantly on edge, jumpy, or easily startled.
• You avoid people, places, or situations that remind you of what happened.
• You feel emotionally numb, disconnected, or struggle to feel joy or closeness with others.
• You blame yourself or feel intense shame or guilt about the event, even if it wasn’t your fault.
• You find it hard to concentrate, sleep, or relax because your body and mind won’t settle.

It’s normal to be shaken after something traumatic, but if the fear, memories, or distress stay with you and disrupt your life, it could be PTSD. This isn’t about being weak, it’s a real, treatable condition. You deserve support and healing.

Contact Sporting Chance anytime, our dedicated mental health partner who will be able to help.

07780 00 88 77 |  support@sportingchanceclinic.com  | Self-Referral Form

Stress is a natural part of life, especially during times of change or when facing challenges like money worries, work pressure, or relationship issues.A certain amount of stress can actually be helpful, it can motivate us to act, stay focused, and meet deadlines. But when stress builds up or becomes constant, it can take a toll on our mental and physical health.Understanding how stress affects us—and why—is the first step toward managing it and protecting our overall wellbeing.

You might be dealing with stress if…

• You feel overwhelmed, like there’s too much to handle and not enough time or energy.
• You’re easily irritated, frustrated, or find yourself snapping at others.
• You have headaches, muscle tension, or stomach problems without a clear medical cause.
• You struggle to sleep or wake up feeling just as tired as when you went to bed.
• You find it hard to focus, stay organized, or make decisions.
• You turn to food, caffeine, alcohol, or screens to cope or escape.
• You feel emotionally drained, like you’re running on empty.

Stress is a normal part of life but when it becomes constant or overwhelming, it can take a serious toll on your body and mind. Recognising it is the first step, and with the right tools and support, stress can be managed, and you can feel more in control again.

Contact Sporting Chance anytime, our dedicated mental health partner who will be able to help.

07780 00 88 77 |  support@sportingchanceclinic.com  | Self-Referral Form

An eating disorder is a serious mental health condition where food, eating, or body image becomes a way to cope with difficult emotions or life situations.

It can involve eating too much or too little, obsessing overweight or body shape, or feeling anxious and guilty around food.

Eating disorders can affect anyone, and the good news is, with the right support and treatment, recovery is possible, and many people do get better.

You might be dealing with an eating disorder if…

• You feel a constant need to control what, when, or how much you eat.
• You think about food, calories, body image, or weight more than you’d like to.
• You avoid eating in front of others or feel shame or guilt after eating.
• You regularly skip meals, overeat, or engage in secretive eating habits.
• You use behaviours like vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxatives to “undo” eating.
• You have a distorted view of your body, even if others tell you you’re fine.
• Your eating habits or body image worries are affecting your mood, health, or relationships.

Eating disorders are not just about food, they’re often a way of coping with deeper emotional pain. They’re serious, but also treatable. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. With the right help, healing is possible.

Contact Sporting Chance anytime, our dedicated mental health partner who will be able to help.

07780 00 88 77 |  support@sportingchanceclinic.com  | Self-Referral Form

OCD is a mental health condition where a person experiences recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and feels driven to perform repetitive behaviours (compulsions) to ease the anxiety they cause.OCD can affect anyone, and living with OCD can be deeply distressing and disruptive, but effective treatments are available. With the right support, many people learn to manage their symptoms and regain control of their lives.

You might be living with OCD if…

• You experience unwanted, intrusive thoughts that feel distressing or hard to control.
• You feel the urge to repeat certain behaviours, like washing, checking, or counting, to reduce anxiety or “prevent something bad.”
• You know your thoughts or behaviours don’t make logical sense, but they still feel impossible to ignore.
• You spend a lot of time each day on these thoughts or rituals, which can disrupt your routine.
• You feel intense anxiety or discomfort if you can’t perform a certain action or ritual.
• You avoid people, places, or situations that might trigger your obsessions or compulsions.
• Your routines, responsibilities, or relationships are affected by the need to control or neutralise these thoughts.

OCD isn’t just about being neat or organised, it’s a real mental health condition that can cause a lot of distress. You’re not alone, and you’re not broken. With the right support and treatment, things can get better, and daily life can feel more manageable again.

Contact Sporting Chance anytime, our dedicated mental health partner who will be able to help.

07780 00 88 77 |  support@sportingchanceclinic.com  | Self-Referral Form

Addiction is a common challenge, but support and treatment are available.

Addiction occurs when a person loses control over a behaviour or substance use to the point that it becomes harmful to their health or life.

While addiction is often linked to gambling, drugs, alcohol, and smoking, it can develop around many other activities or substances, including:

• Eating habits (such as binge eating or compulsive dieting)
• Shopping or spending money
• Video games or internet use
• Social media and smartphone use
• Work or exercise
• Prescription medications

You might be dealing with an addiction if…

• You find it hard to stop using a substance or engaging in a behaviour, even when it causes problems.
• You spend a lot of time thinking about, obtaining, or recovering from the substance or activity.
• You keep using despite negative effects on your health, relationships, work, or finances.
• You experience cravings or strong urges that feel difficult to resist.
• You need more of the substance or behaviour to get the same effect (tolerance).
• You feel withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop or cut back.
• Your use or behaviour is interfering with your daily life and responsibilities.
• There are negative consequences because of this behaviour.

Addiction is a complex condition, not a lack of willpower or a moral failing. It affects your brain and behaviour, making it hard to stop without help. But recovery is possible, and support is available to help you regain control and rebuild your life.

Contact Sporting Chance anytime, our dedicated mental health partner who will be able to help.

07780 00 88 77 |  support@sportingchanceclinic.com  | Self-Referral Form

Bereavement, grief, and loss can bring a wide range of emotions and symptoms, affecting each person in their own unique way. There’s no right or wrong way to feel during these times.

Loss isn’t only about death, it can also include endings like the close of a relationship, losing a job, or leaving a home. All these experiences can deeply impact us.

You might be dealing with bereavement if…

• You’re feeling deep sadness or grief after losing someone important to you.
• You experience a range of emotions, like anger, guilt, confusion, or numbness, that come and go.
• You find it hard to concentrate, sleep, or enjoy things you used to.
• You feel isolated or withdrawn from friends and family.
• You have moments when the loss feels overwhelming or hard to accept.
• You notice physical symptoms like fatigue, changes in appetite, or aches without a clear cause.
• Your grief feels intense and is affecting your daily life and wellbeing.

Grieving is a natural and personal process that takes time. There’s no “right” way to grieve or set timeline. While it can feel lonely and painful, support is available to help you cope and eventually find a way forward.

Contact Sporting Chance anytime, our dedicated mental health partner who will be able to help.

07780 00 88 77 |  support@sportingchanceclinic.com  | Self-Referral Form

Personality disorders are mental health conditions characterised by long-lasting patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that differ significantly from cultural expectations. These patterns can cause distress and affect how a person relates to themselves and others.

People with personality disorders may find it challenging to manage emotions, form stable relationships, or respond to stress in typical ways. These patterns usually begin in adolescence or early adulthood and can impact many areas of life.

There are different types of personality disorders, including Borderline, Antisocial, and Narcissistic Personality Disorder, each with its own unique features. While personality disorders can be difficult to live with, treatment and support can help individuals improve their quality of life and relationships.

You might be dealing with a personality disorder if…

• You notice persistent patterns in how you think, feel, or behave that differ from what’s typical in your culture.
• These patterns cause you significant distress or make it hard to get along with others.
• You struggle with relationships, often feeling misunderstood, rejected, or unable to connect deeply.
• You find it hard to manage emotions, impulses, or handle stress in ways that feel healthy or balanced.
• These challenges have been consistent over time and affect many areas of your life.

Personality disorders, like Borderline, Antisocial, or Narcissistic Personality Disorder, are complex conditions that affect how people experience themselves and relate to others. They’re not signs of failure or weakness. With understanding and support, people can learn skills to improve their wellbeing and relationships.

Contact Sporting Chance anytime, our dedicated mental health partner who will be able to help.

07780 00 88 77 |  support@sportingchanceclinic.com  | Self-Referral Form

Relationship issues can have a significant effect on your mental health. When conflicts, misunderstandings, or emotional distance occur with people you care about, it can lead to feelings of loneliness, stress, anxiety, or depression.

Healthy relationships provide support, comfort, and a sense of belonging, all important factors for emotional wellbeing. When those connections are strained or broken, it can increase feelings of isolation and lower self-esteem.

Ongoing relationship problems may also contribute to chronic stress, which can affect your sleep, concentration, and overall mood. This, in turn, can make it harder to cope with everyday life or manage other mental health challenges.

Recognising how relationship difficulties affect you is an important step toward seeking help and improving both your connections and your mental wellbeing.

You might be dealing with relationship issues if…”

• You often find yourself arguing, feeling misunderstood, or disconnected from your partner, family, or friends.
• Communication feels difficult or leads to more conflict rather than understanding.
• You notice patterns of hurt, mistrust, or resentment that don’t seem to improve.
• You feel lonely, unsupported, or emotionally distant even when you’re with others.
• Boundaries are unclear or regularly crossed, causing tension or discomfort.
• You struggle to balance your needs with the needs of others.
• Relationship problems are affecting your mood, self-esteem, or daily life.

Relationship challenges are common and can happen in any kind of connection. They don’t mean failure or that the relationship is doomed. With effort, communication, and sometimes support, relationships can grow stronger and healthier.

Contact Sporting Chance anytime, our dedicated mental health partner who will be able to help.

07780 00 88 77 |  support@sportingchanceclinic.com  | Self-Referral Form

Life transitions like moving to a new place, starting a new job, or going through a big change can be stressful and unsettling. These changes often bring uncertainty and disrupt our routines, which can affect how we feel mentally and emotionally.

During transitions, it’s common to experience anxiety, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, or feelings of loneliness and loss. These reactions are natural but can become overwhelming if the adjustment feels too difficult or prolonged.

Paying attention to how transitions impact your mental health is important. Seeking support, practicing self-care, and giving yourself time can help you cope and adapt more smoothly.

You might be struggling with transitions if…

• You feel overwhelmed, anxious, or uncertain when facing major life changes like moving, starting a new job, or changing clubs.
• You find it hard to adjust to new routines, environments, or relationships.
• You feel a loss of control or worry about the future during times of change.
• You experience mood swings, irritability, or trouble concentrating as you adapt.
• You miss the familiar and feel disconnected or lonely in new situations.
• Changes are affecting your sleep, appetite, or overall wellbeing.
• You feel stuck or unsure about how to move forward.

Transitions are a normal part of life but can be challenging and stressful. It’s okay to feel unsettled or unsure adjusting takes time. With support, patience, and self-care, you can navigate change and find stability again.

Contact Sporting Chance anytime, our dedicated mental health partner who will be able to help.

07780 00 88 77 |  support@sportingchanceclinic.com  | Self-Referral Form

An identity crisis happens when you feel unsure or confused about who you are, what you believe, or where you’re headed in life. It’s a time of questioning and searching for meaning that can feel unsettling or overwhelming.

This experience is common, especially during major life transitions like adolescence, career changes, or after significant events such as retirement. While it can be challenging, an identity crisis also offers a chance to explore your values, goals, and true self.

With patience, self-reflection, and support from others, you can navigate this period and come out with a clearer, more confident sense of identity.

You might be experiencing an identity crisis if…

• You feel uncertain or confused about who you are or what you want in life.
• You question your values, beliefs, or sense of purpose more than usual.
• You struggle to make decisions or feel lost about your future direction.
• You experience mood swings, anxiety, or feelings of emptiness related to these questions.
• You feel disconnected from yourself or from others around you.
• You try on different roles or personas but can’t find one that feels authentic.
• This confusion is causing distress or making daily life more difficult.

It’s natural to question yourself sometimes, especially during big life changes or challenges. An identity crisis can feel unsettling, but it’s also an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. With time, reflection, and support, you can find clarity and a stronger sense of who you are.

Contact Sporting Chance anytime, our dedicated mental health partner who will be able to help.

07780 00 88 77 |  support@sportingchanceclinic.com  | Self-Referral Form