“How Are You, Really?”: Cagliari Marks World Mental Health Day
On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, which takes place today, 10 October, Cagliari Calcio is launching its social responsibility campaign “How Are You, Really?”, an initiative dedicated to the importance of listening, awareness and seeking help in times of difficulty.
It all starts with a simple question, one we ask the people around us every day and often answer automatically, without stopping to explain how we are really feeling. Yet behind an “I’m fine” there may be thoughts, worries and vulnerabilities that are not always easy to share.
Through the words of Rossoblù head coach Fabio Pisacane and captain Alessandro Deiola, the Club encourages people to overcome fears and prejudices, reminding everyone that nobody is immune to difficult times and that recognising the need for help is an important step forward. Sport is no exception: while footballers and coaches are often associated with strength, determination and the ability to overcome every obstacle, there is also room for vulnerability, open conversation and seeking support from qualified professionals.
THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE COACH AND CAPTAIN
The campaign also stems from their willingness to share personal reflections and experiences, with the aim of making it increasingly natural to talk about mental health and seek support, without shame or feeling alone. “Today, there are many more opportunities to find practical support,” Pisacane explains in an excerpt from his contribution to the Club’s official channels. “Certainly, if I had been able to do so a few years ago, I would have sought support in many areas. We often think that the strongest person is the one who does everything alone, without asking for a helping hand. In fact, the opposite is true. Everyone, whatever their role in society, has the right to find support and the responsibility to do their part to make progress in this area too.” Deiola echoes his words: “If you’re not doing well yourself, it’s difficult to help others. In my case, I think of life as part of a group, in the dressing room, which is why I decided in the past to open up and work on the things that weren’t going as they should at that time. A footballer’s life, speaking about our specific situation, is often lived in the spotlight, and only a small part of it is visible, making everything look easy and glamorous. That’s not the reality, and sometimes it’s important to find the strength to raise your hand and ask for help.”
STANDING ALONGSIDE TELEFONO AMICO CAGLIARI
The campaign will also have a tangible presence at the Unipol Domus. Information and useful contacts will be available in designated areas of the stadium for anyone seeking someone to listen and offer support. These include the contact details of Telefono Amico Cagliari OdV, which, through the national CeViTA network, provides a telephone listening service available 24 hours a day. A QR code will also provide access to other ways of getting in touch, including written communication for those who prefer it.
RAISING AWARENESS AND BUILDING UNDERSTANDING
This initiative marks the first step in a journey that Cagliari Calcio intends to pursue with sensitivity and humility, engaging in dialogue with organisations, associations and professionals working in this field every day. The commitment reflects the Club’s ambition to make the stadium an increasingly welcoming place, offering not only opportunities to meet and connect through sport, but also information and practical resources for those going through a difficult time.
Because asking “How are you, really?” means looking beyond words, valuing the importance of listening and remembering that sometimes, making a difference starts with a simple question — and with the willingness to listen to the answer.
