Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell has lifted the lid on his struggles with mental health problems and has urged others to get the support that they need during lockdown.
As well as the well-documented physical effects of coronavirus, self-isolation and lockdowns can have a huge impact mentally, with England now under tougher restrictions for at least the next four weeks amid a second wave of the virus.
Chilwell has since opened up on his own battle with a lack of confidence and has called on people to get the help that they need in these troublesome times, telling BBC Sport: "I didn't talk to anyone and just kept it to myself for a few months.
"Last season I struggled with confidence and the fact that I've come out and spoken about it might help others to talk to people and tell people about their problems.
"Mental health is a massive thing at the moment, particularly with this second lockdown. There's someone at the club who talks to a lot of the players.
"And I just thought well a lot of the boys are talking to him, maybe I should just go and have a chat with him and see what it's about, and it helped me a lot.
"If you are struggling and you feel like you're by yourself then talk to someone, whether that's a friend, a family member or something confidential like on a helpline, then just do it.
Chilwell has established himself as Chelsea's first-choice left-back since arriving from Leicester City over the summer, chalking up one goal and three assists in nine appearances so far.
Ben Knapton
