\n The Real Madrid and England midfielder revealed he used to search his name on social media as a young player at Birmingham but has learned to brush off criticism from outside.\n<\/p>\n
\n Speaking as a Laureus Ambassador, Bellingham said: \u201cWith the development of social media and technology, there\u2019s more ways to attack someone, to make them feel down \u2013 and I think there\u2019s still a stigma around talking about mental health.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cI know there\u2019s been times where I\u2019ve felt vulnerable, doubted myself and needed someone to talk to \u2013 and, instead, I\u2019ve tried to keep up this macho athlete image of, \u2018I don\u2019t need anyone\u2019.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cThe truth is that I do, everyone does. And you\u2019ll feel a lot better from talking about your feelings and emotions.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n October 10 marks World Mental Health Day – a day dedicated to encouraging open conversations about mental health struggles, breaking stigmas and advocating for support.\n<\/p>\n
\n Bellingham believes there are still unrealistic expectations placed on sportspeople, saying: \u201cAs athletes, it seems like we have the world at our feet or hands \u2013 we can do whatever we want, earn so much money and never be affected by it.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cBut the reality is, if we can show vulnerability, then it opens up a bigger conversation for people who are struggling in the darkness. It\u2019s the duty of people like me \u2013 and the positions we\u2019re in \u2013 to be role models.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cI still think athletes are seen as people who should shut up and take it, which is an old-fashioned outlook.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cThat hate can be really tough for athletes \u2013 and I can really empathise with those who struggle with their mental health.\n<\/p>\n
\n “Everyone is allowed their opinion on sport, but there should be limits to the horrible things you can say.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cI\u2019ve never been in a deep hole mentally, but I\u2019ve been around people who have, and it\u2019s sad to see.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n He also highlighted the negative impact of the expectations athletes place on themselves.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cI always try to keep my confidence high, whether it\u2019s through self-reassurance, or accepting the fact that I won\u2019t complete every pass, I won\u2019t beat every player or score and win every game,\u201d he added.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cThe more comfortable you are with that then the more comfortable you are with knowing you\u2019re not perfect.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, support can be accessed from a number of organisations, including MIND<\/a> and the Samaritans.<\/a>\n<\/p>\n