Scan the QR code to discover and shop your ClarinsMen routine.
Everyday stress and environmental aggressors can take a toll on your skin. A targeted men’s skincare routine is essential.
ClarinsMen products are tested and tailored to men’s specific skin needs. Boost your routine with these five essential tips.
INVEST IN A CLEANSER
Active Face Wash refreshes skin, washing away dirt, pollution and excess oil while preparing for shaving.
BE SHAVING SAVVY
Choose a shaving gel that nourishes skin and protects it, like Smooth Shave Foaming Gel. Lather on every day.
DON’T FORGET THE EYE AREA
To reduce the natural signs of ageing, use Double Serum Eye morning and night to prevent wrinkles and de-pu even after a late night.
DO NOT SKIP ON MOISTURE
You have to moisturise your skin, no matter your skin type, to keep it hydrated, healthy and protected. Use the non-greasy Super Moisture Balm morning and night.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
Before any sun exposure, apply SPF to your face, opt for a water-resistant, invisible and non-oily formula like the Clarins UV PLUS Anti-pollution SPF50.
WELCOME
Welcome to the Winter 24/25 issue of MAN.
I’ve always believed that mood follows action. That whilst it won’t solve all your problems, taking a positive step forward or doing some form of physical activity will always make things at least 0.1% brighter. I stand by that, but I’ve recently learnt that you can’t always power your way through difficult times.
The last month has been the toughest of my life. My attempts to make myself feel better by walking, running, and surfing have helped a bit, but certainly haven’t fixed things.
Grief takes a toll physically as well as mentally. There have been times when my body just won’t let me do the things that normally make me feel better. That’s fine. And there’s certainly no benefit in adding to whatever challenges you’re going through by feeling bad for not being at your strongest physically.
I read recently that monarch butterflies don’t fly in the rain because they know the raindrops will damage their wings. They rest and wait it out, holding onto trees or bushes. It’s self-preservation.
It’s okay to rest during the storms in your life. Take as long as you need. One day at a time. You can fly again once the storm passes.
As always, I hope this magazine can help you or give you the tools to support someone else.
Rob Executive Editor
COVER CREDITS:
Cover Photographer: gettyimages.co.uk
Executive Editor: Lee Gatland
Art Director: Richard Hejsak
Managing Editor: Rob McGarr rob@sevenstarmedia.co.uk
First, we cherry-pick the world’s best writers in the fields of sport, style, cars, music, comedy, health & fitness, travel, adventure, and more.
Then we let them write the stories they want to tell.
The stories that matter.
And finally, we give it all away for free. Because when it’s this good, every man deserves to read it.
The result is the world’s greatest magazine for men who want the best of everything.
WHY WE MAKE MAN MAGAZINE
This is the important bit. We know that being a man can be tough sometimes. Looking after your mental health, and helping your friends and family do the same, has never been more important.
That’s why we work with Mind and CALM, two of the UK’s leading mental health charities. We want to help end the stigma around mental health and ensure that every man gets the support he needs.
NO SWEAT
NO SWEAT
Why low-intensity activity can work wonders for your mental health.
It’s no secret that exercise provides mental benefits as well as physical, but you may not realise that even lowintensity activities can do wonders for your mental health.
Researchers from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) undertook an umbrella review of studies carried out across the world to examine the impact of physical activity on mental health.
The analysis, published in the journal Neuroscience and Biobehavioural Reviews, found that physical activity reduced the risk of depression by 23% and anxiety by 26%.
A particularly strong association with a reduced risk of depression was found with low and moderate physical activity, which included gardening, golf, and walking. High-intensity exercise did not have the same strong link.
Lead author Lee Smith, Professor of Public Health at ARU, said: “Moderate exercise can improve mental health through biochemical
reactions, whereas high-intensity exercise may worsen stress-related responses in some individuals.
“Acknowledging differences in people’s response to exercise is vital for effective mental health strategies, suggesting any activity recommendations should be tailored for the individual.
“The fact that even low to moderate levels of physical activity can be beneficial for mental health is particularly important, given that these levels of activity may be more achievable for people who can make smaller lifestyle changes without feeling they need to commit to a highintensity exercise programme.”
If you’re already doing more intense exercise and feeling the benefits, this research is no reason to stop. But, if you’re not doing much, it’s encouraging to know that you don’t need to start smashing the gym or running to get some great mental health benefits – just walking will more than suffice.
SWITCHED ON
GET SWITCHED ON
Why watching sport on TV is good for you.
Ayear ago we shared the research that showed watching live sports was good for your mental health.
Being in the crowd was found to reduce feelings of loneliness, boost life satisfaction, and lower mortality rates.
But what about watching sports from the comfort of home – could that offer any benefits?
According to research from Waseda University in Japan, yes, it certainly could.
The research team employed neuroimaging techniques to monitor alterations in brain activity while participants watched sports clips. Sports viewing triggered activation in the brain’s reward circuits, indicative of feelings of happiness or pleasure.
“Both subjective and objective measures of wellbeing were found to be positively influenced by engaging in sports viewing,” said Associate Professor Shintaro Sato. “For those seeking to enhance their overall wellbeing, regularly watching sports – particularly popular ones such as baseball or soccer – can serve as an effective remedy.”
People who watched sports more frequently exhibited greater grey matter, suggesting that regular sports viewing may gradually induce changes in brain structures. Grey matter is used for thinking and reasoning, processing information, and controlling memory and emotions.
WAYS TO GET HEALTHY THE EASY WAY TO GET HEALTHY
Why using guilt to motivate yourself could do you more harm than good.
We all know that exercise is good for our physical and mental health, but finding – and maintaining –the motivation to stick to a good regime can be tough. New research conducted by Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) shows that using the wrong type of self-motivation to stick to your regime could do you more harm than good –but there is a better way.
A study of 650 frequent exercisers found that individuals using self-pressure and guilt
as motivation to exercise were more likely to skip sessions or quit entirely, and were at greater risk of poor mental health.
“The tendency to have dogmatic beliefs like ‘I must’ or ‘I have to’ creates a negative and unhealthy approach to exercise,” said MMU’s Dr Martin Turner.
People who held such beliefs reported higher symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress compared with those who had less extreme, rigid and negative ways of thinking. Individuals who focused on exercising because they loved the activity or recognised the importance of exercise as part of their identity trained more often and felt better mentally.
3 MENTAL TRICKS TO MAKE EXERCISE A WALK IN THE PARK
You are what you think
When you think about exercising, are your thoughts negative and selfpressuring? Be more critical of your thoughts about exercise and ask yourself if they’re actually helping you.
If the answer is no, work on adopting thoughts that help you achieve your exercise goals. This could include seeing exercise as something to enjoy, instead of something you have to do out of guilt. Being able to challenge your own unhelpful beliefs, and learning to harness more helpful ones, can help you achieve your goals.
Fail forward
As human beings, we’re imperfect. We mess up. That’s normal. When things don’t go to plan, it’s important to try and accept this. Realise that you aren’t defined by your shortcomings. Recognising that failing does not make you a failure may help you better bounce back from times when you fall short of your goals and expectations.
If you miss a session, accepting that and moving on will help you much more than lambasting yourself, deciding you’re a failure and that you might as well give up exercise completely!
Harness the power of want
You’re far more likely to stick to your exercise goals if you want to do them. Find an activity that offers you something more than just health benefits. Perhaps join an exercise group where you can make new friends or rekindle your passion for something you used to love doing.
\\ AS HUMAN BEINGS, WE’RE IMPERFECT. WE MESS UP. THAT’S NORMAL. WHEN THINGS DON’T GO TO PLAN, IT’S IMPORTANT TO TRY AND ACCEPT THIS //
If you’re only exercising because you believe you must or to avoid guilt, you probably won’t stick with it. Nobody likes to be pressured into doing difficult things. Finding an activity you don’t have to force yourself to do may help you move from seeing exercise as something you have to do to something you love to do.
Exercise is, of course, important, but guilting yourself into doing it will probably do more harm than good.
The best way is by finding things you enjoy, accepting yourself unconditionally if your motivation does wane, and removing ‘have to’ from your thoughts about exercise.
BE A BETTER YOU
A sudden sense of calm
A sudden sense of calmness or even euphoria in a situation where this person has been struggling may seem like a positive change, but it can actually be a warning sign. If someone is suddenly in a good mood or seems particularly calm compared to how they have been, it may be because they’ve mentally come to terms with the decision to end their own life.
Extreme agitation
Opposite to the first point, people can seem really agitated when they feel suicidal. Perhaps they’ve been anxious, low, or depressed for a period of time, but suddenly the agitation is particularly noticeable. It might be something you can see physically, like trembling, shaking, or barely able to sit still. Being unable to settle, sleep, or find calm is a worrying sign.
Unusual messages
Messages that seem like a goodbye or thanking you for being an incredible person are a warning sign, particularly if they seem out of character for the person sending them. Perhaps they’ve withdrawn for a while and all of a sudden you receive a long message saying how wonderful you are.
You’ll never know for sure
The above signs are not definite indicators that someone is considering suicide; the behaviours could be caused by something different. But, if it’s crossing your mind, it’s important to act.
Ask the question. Say to them: “I’m a little worried about you. My gut says something isn’t right. How are you feeling? Are you having dark thoughts or thinking of selfharming?” It will probably feel awkward and uncomfortable, but it’s better to be really on-the-nose with the questions rather than dancing around the issue. It’s better to ask the question and find out you were wrong than not to ask it at all.
Every day we are losing lives to suicide. It’s down to all of us to take action and do what we can to look out for others. You never know, you might just save a life.
SPOT THE SIGNS
Learning to spot the warning signs that someone might be suicidal could help you save a life.
FEAR
NERVOUSNESS
UNEASE JITTERY
Anxiety can feel like someone’s hit the panic button in your brain and there’s no off switch, so how do you deal with it when things start to spiral?
WHAT IS ANXIETY?
Anxiety is a natural human feeling that can help us analyse what’s happening in our lives, make important decisions, and avoid danger. It’s normal to feel nervous before big life events and in any unfamiliar or uncomfortable situation. Anxiety becomes an issue when it begins to take over your life and stops you doing everyday things.
\\ NO MATTER YOUR INTERESTS OR BACKGROUND,
THERE’S LOADS OF THINGS TO HELP YOU DEAL WITH ANXIETY //
WHAT DOES ANXIETY FEEL LIKE?
Anxiety feels different to everyone who experiences it and has a combination of physical and mental symptoms that can range from mild to severe. You may experience some of the following:
Feeling panicky or on edge, often or for long periods of time
Difficulty sleeping because of worries or recurrent thoughts
Panic attacks or intense periods of fear and discomfort
A compulsion to carry out certain rituals to keep things from going wrong
Physical symptoms like sweaty palms, dry mouth, tense muscles
Increased heart rate and/or shallower breathing
Avoiding certain situations or things in everyday life because of nervousness and worries
BE A BETTER YOU
YOU’RE NOT THE ONLY ONE
Anxiety can make you feel isolated, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. According to the World Health Organisation, over 250 million people are thought to live with anxiety related conditions – and help is available.
No matter your interests or background, there’s loads of things to help you deal with anxiety, as well as support groups and organisations like AnxietyUK dedicated to helping people who are struggling.
From exercise and nutrition to talking therapies and medication, speaking to someone about your worries can help you to find ways to cope and move forward.
HOW TO IMPROVE THINGS
If anxiety is affecting your life, here are some tips from CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), on what you can do to get things under control.
1FOCUS ON THINGS OUTSIDE OF YOUR BRAIN
Don’t think about cheese. Did you think about cheese? Of course you did.
The thing is, trying not to think about anxiety (or cheese) usually makes you think about it even more. It’s just the way our brains work. Instead, try shifting your focus onto something else.
Anxiety can make it feel like the world is caving in and it can be really hard to stop the spiral. Sometimes the best way to deal with it is to do something you enjoy doing. It doesn’t matter if you’re into unicycle hockey or collecting rocks, just do something you love. Watch TV, listen to music, play football with your mates – whatever it is will help you get out of your head.
2
SHAKE IT OUT
It might be the last thing you want to do right now, but stop scrolling and move your body. Step outside for five minutes or physically shake out your arms and legs. You might look a little strange but, trust us, it can help release some of the nervous tension in your body.
You don’t need to grab the lycra and head for a 20-mile run to reap the benefits of exercise, just a 10-minute walk round the block can get those feel-good endorphins flowing. It might not magically cure your anxiety, but it could just help you feel a bit more in control of your worries.
\\ STEP OUTSIDE FOR FIVE MINUTES OR PHYSICALLY SHAKE OUT YOUR ARMS AND LEGS //
3
SET ASIDE TIME TO WORRY ABOUT STUFF
Stop things bubbling over by making time for your worries once a day.
You might be wondering why you’d make time to worry, but sometimes when you ignore your worries completely they can
bubble to the surface in a bigger way.
Once a day take 15 minutes to acknowledge the stuff that’s making you feel anxious or overwhelmed. Write it down, then think about whether you can do anything about it. If the answer’s yes, make a plan to tackle it. But if the answer’s no, try to let it go.
4
TALK TO A MATE ABOUT IT
Often things aren’t as bad as they feel. Sometimes you just need a mate to remind you of that.
Mates are normally pretty good at telling us when we’re being silly – so if you’re finding it hard to pull yourself out of the anxiety funk, drop them a message or see if you can meet up to chat.
We’re not going to give you the problem shared is a problem halved spiel, but talking can really help you get stuff off your plate. So hit up someone you trust instead of trying to deal with anxiety on your own.
5
TALK TO AN EXPERT
If you feel like anxiety is overwhelming and taking over your life, speak to your local GP who can help you move forward. Or, if you feel like you can’t see a way forward or are thinking of hurting yourself, talk to CALM – their helpline is there to help you find a way to move forward and feel better (thecalmzone. net/suicide-prevention-helpline)
DEALING WITH AN ANXIETY ATTACK
Some of this stuff might sound small or even silly, but it’s worth a try, right? There’s no one solution for everyone, so find what works for you.
Breathe
Yes, you read that right. If you’re feeling anxious, your breathing is probably shallower than normal. Take a few breaths, trying to breathe a little more deeply each time.
Or you might use something like the 4,5,6 breathing technique to find some space and give yourself a chance to calm down. You breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 5 seconds, and then, you guessed it, exhale for 6 seconds. It may feel a little forced the first few times you try, but it’s worth staying with it.
Focus on the here
and now
(AKA get out of your head)
Pause a moment. What can you see? Hear? Smell? Focus on this moment and your immediate surroundings. Give yourself a moment to feel a bit more you.
Tense your muscles
You’re probably thinking you already are, but consciously tensing your muscles and then releasing them can help us to feel a little more in control. Tense each muscle separately.
You don’t even have to know what they’re called. Tense, then release, tense then release from head to toe.
What would you say to a mate?
Imagine your best mate was feeling how you’re feeling now. What would you say to them? Yup, it’s pretty certain you’d be understanding, supportive and kind. So don’t be too hard on yourself. Show yourself the same care you might show someone else.
\\ THERE’S NO ONE SOLUTION FOR EVERYONE, SO FIND WHAT WORKS FOR YOU //
YOU’RE NOT ALONE
According to the World Health Organisation, over 250 million people are thought to live with anxiety related conditions – and help is available.
“My anxiety started when I was about 21. I had my first panic attack and I didn’t know what the hell it was. You think you’re dying or having a heart attack. I didn’t speak about it for six months because I thought I was different, or that nobody would understand what I was going through, because I didn’t understand it myself.” TV personality Jamie Laing
IN 5 OF US WILL HAVE SUICIDAL THOUGHTS
Know the facts
Start a conversation
Save lives
SPOTTING THE SIGNS OF
HARMFUL GAMBLING
Whether you’re worried about your own gambling or someone else’s, it’s important to know what to look out for. The experts at GambleAware highlight the key warning signs that show it’s time to get support.
Although many people who gamble don’t experience harms, there is always a risk that gambling can become harmful.
Gambling harms can happen to anyone and they’re often hard to spot, so understanding the signs is an important step towards getting the right support.
Gambling harms can be anything that negatively impacts the life of the person gambling, or the life of those around them. Here are a few of the signs of gambling harms to be aware of:
CHASING LOSSES
This can also lead to borrowing money, selling possessions or avoiding bills to fund gambling.
FEELING GUILTY, ANXIOUS, OR IRRITABLE
Financial or other troubles may begin to have an impact on your mental health.
HIDING GAMBLING, OR LYING ABOUT IT
Gambling can cause feelings of shame, which can lead to it being kept secret. To make matters worse, gambling in secret often makes it easier to lose track of time or money.
SPENDING INCREASING AMOUNTS OF TIME OR MONEY GAMBLING
Finding it hard to stop or manage your gambling is a key sign that it’s getting out of control.
ALWAYS THINKING OR TALKING ABOUT GAMBLING
Struggling to concentrate, losing interest in other activities, or neglecting personal responsibilities are signs that gambling is taking over. This can lead to further issues with work and relationships.
IF YOU’RE WORRIED ABOUT SOMEONE CLOSE TO YOU, THERE ARE A FEW EARLY SIGNALS TO LOOK OUT FOR:
They’re being very withdrawn
They’re spending lots of time on their phone or the internet
They never seem to have any money
GET SUPPORT
If you’re worried about your own gambling, or someone else’s, getting support is key.
Chat to a National Gambling Support Network adviser oneto-one for confidential advice, information, and emotional support.
The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Call: 0808 8020 133
Live chat: gamcare.org.uk/ get-support/talk-to-us-now/
\\ 1 IN 4 PEOPLE THINK THEY KNOW SOMEONE WHO HAS EXPERIENCED GAMBLING HARMS //
Over 70%.
That’s how many registered suicides in 2023 were male.
Men aren’t seeking help until they get to crisis point. We need to be open to seeking help and talking. “ ”
Gavin is a scriptwriter and mental health advocate, and also a Trustee for Derbyshire Mind. He lives with borderline personality disorder and post traumatic stress disorder, and turned to Mind in some of his darkest times.
How to talk about mental health this Christmas It might not always be clear when someone’s unwell. But if you’re worried, there’s ways to start up that conversation.
Ask open questions
That’s a question that invites someone to say something more than ‘yes’ or ‘no’. It could be something like ‘How have you been feeling?’
Give them time
You might be anxious to hear their answer, but it helps if you let the other person take their time to talk.
Reach out
You can get support through Mind’s Infoline. It’s open 9am-6pm, Mon-Fri (except bank holidays) on 0300 123 3393 and info@mind.org.uk
In an emergency always call 999.
For more advice and support about managing mental health, scan this QR code.
Please consider donating to Mind this Christmas. With your help, we can be there for everyone who needs us, so everyone can find support for themselves or someone they love while there’s still time.
Photo by Matt Wellham Mind, 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ. Mind (The National Association for Mental Health) Limited by Guarantee Reg. Charity Number 219830 Registered in England and Wales Number 424348.
EVERYTHING YOU EVER NEEDED TO KNOW ABOUT THERAPY BUT WERE TOO AFRAID TO ASK
Psychotherapist and Mental Health Consultant
Gemma Pettit answers the big questions when it comes to therapy.
BE A BETTER YOU
Bruce Springsteen. Tyson Fury. Michael Phelps. Buzz Aldrin. Jonny Wilkinson. Michael B. Jordan. Brad Pitt. Ricky Hatton. Jon Hamm. Freddy Flintoff. Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. What do these high-achievers and countless more like them have in common? They’ve all been open about undertaking therapy and the hugely positive impact it’s had on their lives. Are you considering joining them? If so, let’s look at everything you need to know to get your therapy journey on the right track, and address the common concerns that stop people seeking the kind of support that could change their life for the better.
FINDING THE RIGHT TYPE OF THERAPY
Many friends of mine have told me they’d love to start therapy but working out how to find a therapist that’s right for their situation can feel overwhelmingly stressful and off-putting. The
hopeful that giving you some insider info will make the process a little easier and less complicated!
COUNSELLING
Counselling is usually short term (5-10 sessions) and focuses on a single goal based in the here and now. Counsellors might be psychotherapists that are happy to work with you on a specific short-term issue, or they may have studied counselling only. To find a great counsellor I’d recommend using the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) directory, or the NACP (The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society).
PSYCHOTHERAPY
Psychotherapy (therapy for short) is usually a longer-term process that can be months or years of work depending on the individual needs and situation of the person. Psychotherapy offers people the opportunity to explore themselves, their relationships, and their behaviour at a deeper level than counselling and allows the client to explore multiple rather than single parts of their life.
BE A BETTER YOU
people to explore how their early experiences and previous relationships may have shaped their beliefs and ways of relating to each other and their wider worlds. In other words, what from your past is getting in the way of your present? Importantly, this will also be a place for the couple to talk to one another in a way that is safe and honest. Often big emotions or ‘emotional dysregulation’ can get in the way of productive
EMDR (EYE MOVEMENT & DESENSITISATION THERAPY)
EMDR is becoming an increasingly popular form of therapy to treat trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder. Unlike talking therapy, EMDR follows a formulated, eight-step process that targets the negative images, emotions, beliefs and body sensations associated with traumatic memories that contribute to a range of mental health problems. This type of therapy is most effective for a one-off incident such as a car accident, job loss, or a difficult relationship ending.
COUPLES’ THERAPY
Couples’ therapy is different in that the therapist will work with two people in a relationship at the same time. Whilst this is typically a romantic couple, couples therapy can be accessed by any kind of couple such as father and son, siblings, or friends.
\\
THE
THERAPIST IS NOT INTERESTED IN WHO IS RIGHT OR WRONG //
The therapist will begin by exploring the issue that brings the couple to the therapy, listening to conflict and experiences from both points of view. Historically couples therapy was accessed by people who had been married for years but I now regularly work with younger couples in the dating stage who want to know themselves and each other better before making a lifelong commitment – seems sensible to me!
Once the couple’s reason for entering therapy has been understood and the therapist has observed how the couple interacts and relates to one another, the therapist will work with both
therapist will be on hand to help both parties stay calm enough to listen and respond safely to
have is that the therapist will ‘take their partner’s side’. Usually, when a couple argues, they head to their friends or family to present their side of the argument, looking for some validation that they were right.
Therapy is very different to this. The therapist is not interested in who is right or wrong. The intention of couples’ therapy is to help both parties resolve their issues and deepen their bond. Instead of it being ‘you vs your partner’, try to think of it as ‘you and your partner vs the problem’.
All couples argue – and this is a normal and healthy part of relationships – but if the same fight keeps happening without you finding a solution that sticks, that can signal it might be time to seek some support from therapy.
BE A BETTER
\\ THINGS DON’T NEED TO BE IN CRISIS FOR COUNSELLING OR PSYCHOTHERAPY TO OFFER
Not just for crisis situations!
Whilst therapy can help people with diagnosed mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, or personality disorders, it can be extremely useful and effective for a person without these diagnoses too.
BENEFIT //
Therapy methods
Within these types of therapy, therapists use different methods. For example, a person-centred therapist will work in the here and now, whereas a psychodynamic therapist is likely to relate a lot of things back to your childhood. CBT therapists focus on how you think, whereas a somatic therapist will focus on how your body feels.
There is no ‘best’ or ‘right’ method as all therapists share the same intention of helping the client get to know themselves better. It’s a good idea when you first speak to a therapist to ask them what specific type of therapy they are trained in and if that type is suitable for the issue or problem you are looking to resolve.
I encourage you to think of accessing therapy similarly to going to the gym or taking your car for a service every 10,000 miles. Things don’t need to be in crisis for counselling or psychotherapy to offer benefit. Early intervention can be hugely positive in stopping problems from worsening and deepening. A course correction of sorts. It’s common for people to think their problem might not be ‘serious enough’ to need therapy, but if something is affecting you negatively, accessing support sooner rather than later is likely to have a hugely positive. As with most problems, left untreated they worsen and will then take longer to remedy when you do finally decide to take action. If everything is absolutely tip top then therapy might not be appropriate, but in 2024, with the amount of stress and pressure we can all find ourselves experiencing, even a short experience with counselling can prove useful.
Therapy isn’t failure
Historically, therapy was viewed as a treatment for the ‘mentally unwell’. Thankfully, we have had a cultural and generational shift in our approach to accessing therapy. What was once only shared on a need-to-know basis, steeped in personal shame and fear of judgement, has for the most part become much easier to disclose to an employer or friend.
Having said that, it’s tough being part of the first generation to make these changes because it can often mean we take the risk of doing so without the support, or worse, the negative opinion and judgement of the generations that came before us. Accessing therapy can feel particularly scary if it’s not something our family has placed value on or doesn’t really understand.
I often think of the label “snowflake generation” as an attempt to shame younger people for taking care of their mental health. Similarly, the phrase “We didn’t have all this in my day and we all turned out fine” is one I also hear far too often and in all honesty makes me cringe!
BE A BETTER YOU
For me, the real shame is how ignorance keeps those we claim to love accessing a service that could be of great benefit to them. Anyone taking positive steps to work on their mental health deserves compassion, respect, and support – not shame and judgment. As a therapist, I still attend weekly therapy, not because anything is wrong, but because having a space that’s just for myself keeps my mental health and wellbeing in the best shape possible. I truly wouldn’t be without it!
How to find the right therapist for you
Unfortunately the term ‘therapist’ is not a protected title which means anyone can complete a ten-minute online course, print off a certificate and write the word ‘therapist’ on their door. Therefore, making sure you see a properly accredited and registered therapist who has been through the necessary training, personal therapy and clinical supervision to call themselves a psychotherapist or counsellor is important. An easy way to tell if a therapist is properly accredited is to find them on an online directory such as the BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy) and UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy) as well as the other organisations mentioned in this article.
How much does it all cost?
Short answer… it varies! The cost of sessions can depend on many things, including your therapist’s location (London tends to be more expensive) and the level of the therapist’s qualification; so don’t be surprised if you come across a variety of fees. Some therapists offer a reduced rate for those on lower income or universal credit.
Some therapists have higher fees due to pricey room rental costs whereas others can afford to offer a cheaper service if working from home – so be mindful that a higher cost of therapy doesn’t always mean better therapy! If you’re worried about the therapist’s fee, most offer a free introductory call which I’d recommend making use of to ask questions about how they work, what their fee covers, and what qualifications they have. It can also be a great opportunity to ask them how they might work with the problem you are having – so don’t be afraid to enquire with a few before you make your decision.
Therapists genuinely want to help and make sure you get the best support for you. We understand that you are making a big investment in yourself and want to make sure you get the most of that investment.
Do the characteristics of my therapist matter? Age, race, gender, lived experience, etc.
Yes and no! What I will say is that most people will naturally take a preference for the kind of person they feel comfortable talking to. It’s common to make an instinctual decision on what characteristics feel safer or more aligned to your lived experience and a client will often pick a therapist based on their profile photo or directory listing.
People often and understandably assume that a therapist who shares similar characteristics such as age, gender, or race will be better at relating to our life or lived experience and in many a case this can be true.. we are all humans after all! But, to offer some reassurance, a properly accredited therapist will have done the necessary training to ensure that any unconscious bias has been addressed and that any gaps in knowledge about a particular lived experience have been filled.
Again, the introductory telephone call can be a great place to ask your therapist about their work with the specific differences and a good therapist should be happy to tell you about their ability to work with you and be trained to recognise and refer you to another therapist that is more qualified if appropriate.
Want more from Gemma? Visit gemmapettit.com
MY TOP 3 TIPS ON FINDING THE RIGHT THERAPIST
Use recognised organisations directory listings to make sure you find a properly accredited therapist or counsellor.
Shop around! Make enquiries with a few different therapists and ask them about their availability, their fee, what 1 2
type of therapy they have trained in, and how they might work with your problem. Whilst you can’t work with more than one therapist at a time, you can shop around a bit to make sure you feel as comfortable as possible.
Don’t let anyone’s opinion or judgement around your right to access therapy (particularly someone who has never been in therapy themselves!) dissuade you from starting therapy if you believe it could help you.
ncps.com
counselling-directory.org.uk
bacp.co.uk
psychotherapy.org.uk
map.emdrassociation.org.uk
\\ IT’S BEEN TOUGH, MAN. 2019 I TORE MY ACHILLES, TORE MY HAMSTRING, MESSED UP MY HIP. 2020 WAS COVID. HUGE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN 2021. NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW THIS BUT I LITERALLY ATTEMPTED SUICIDE. //
Matthew Hudson-Smith, silver medallist in 400 metres and bronze medallist in 4x400m relay
\\ THREE YEARS AGO I DIDN’T EVEN WANT TO BE ALIVE, SO TODAY I’M JUST HAPPY THAT I AM ALIVE, I’M BREATHING, AND I’VE GOT MY FAMILY TO SUPPORT ME. //
Andrea Sirieix, bronze medallist in women’s 10 metre synchronised diving
\\ MENTALLY, I FELT LIKE I WAS BURNING OUT. THE BUILD UP OF STRESS INSIDE ME WAS GETTING TOO MUCH. WORKING WITH A PSYCHOLOGIST WAS THE BEST THING I’VE DONE. NOW I CAN DEAL WITH THAT AND WHEN I GET TO THE STAGE WHERE I’M NOT ENJOYING IT AS MUCH, I KNOW IT’S TIME TO TAKE A DAY OFF. //
Kate French, gold medallist in modern pentathlon
\\ IT’S BEEN REALLY BLOODY HARD AT POINTS TO WAKE UP AND GET MYSELF OUT THE DOOR WHEN ALL I WANTED WAS TO STAY LOCKED IN MY ROOM. SO, FOR ALL THAT I’VE BEEN THROUGH, I’M PROUD OF MYSELF FOR DOING THIS. //
Georgia Taylor-Brown, bronze medallist in triathlon mixed relay
LongSTAFF Sean
Being a Premier League footballer isn’t always rosy
In 2020, Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff broke down in front of his father and was put in contact with a professional. He explains how it changed his life and helped him reach greater heights than ever before.
WORDS
MATTHEW KETCHELL, FourFourTwo
Sean Longstaff’s career has had far more ups and downs than that of a typical Premier League footballer.
In 2019, he broke into Newcastle United’s first team under Rafa Benitez and quickly established himself as a capable Premier League midfielder. He was influencing games, scoring goals, and attracting attention from the England manager.
When Newcastle travelled to West Ham in March of that year, Longstaff went headto-head with another young, prospective England midfielder in the form of Declan Rice. Gareth Southgate’s Assistant Manager, Steve Holland, was in the stands to observe the pair ahead of an imminent England squad announcement. Both players were in contention for their first senior international call-up.
The game panned out very differently for the two players. Rice scored, West Ham won 2-0, and
he received his first England call-up a week later. Longstaff sustained a serious knee injury that ruled him out for six months. It was a Sliding Doors moment that set the two young stars’ careers in different directions.
Speaking to Martin Hardy in The Times several years later, Longstaff reflected on the depths he’d reached and the moment he broke down in front of his dad.
“We’d had breakfast in Tynemouth. I could feel myself welling up at the table. We went upstairs at mine and he looked at me and kept looking at me. He didn’t really say anything and then he wasn’t looking at me like a dad who was going to talk about football, or take the piss, he was looking at me like a dad who wanted to know what was wrong. When he did that, I was like — whoosh — I remember breaking down in front of him bursting into tears. I was in a pretty bad way.”
\\ I REMEMBER BREAKING DOWN IN FRONT OF HIM, BURSTING INTO TEARS //
Do you ever look back on that
West Ham game and think about how things could have panned out differently?
I don’t look back with any regrets; I tried to tackle someone that day and that’s the way the world goes. I got home that night and just thought, ‘Ugh’. Everything’s going well, then you feel like the world has ended.
Dec’s a top player, and someone I speak to a lot. He has gone on to do brilliant things. It’s funny, from that stage, everything Declan did went whoosh – everyone at West Ham loved him. Then, when I came back, the club were struggling.
Dec’s a really nice lad, so when someone who’s so nice does so well, you feel nothing but happiness for them. I’m on my own journey now, but his first campaign in the Champions League was in the same season as mine and he’s at a great team like Arsenal while I’m at a top club in Newcastle. Hopefully we’ll both keep on doing well.
PEOPLE’S OPINIONS OF ME // \\ IT’S BEEN ABOUT TRYING TO CHANGE
SPORT
By the time you returned from injury, Rafa Benitez had gone. Did that make your comeback even more challenging?
To a degree. Under Rafa it was all great, then I did my knee. Whether I was ready to come back and play, I wasn’t sure, but with a new manager [Steve Bruce], I felt like I needed to. You could feel the negativity seeping in – it sounds bad, but I have to be honest. If you’re playing and the side’s not winning, it’s easier to go after a lad from North Shields than it is to go after a lad from Spain or wherever. It was a weird time, and annoying, because you knew there was much more there.
From my point of view, if you got rid of the two years that followed Rafa and fast-
maybe be higher. It can be tarnished by those two and a half years. Now, with the new manager, it’s been about trying to change people’s opinions about me.
What is it about Eddie Howe that brings the best out of you?
He just believes in me more than anyone else ever has. I think he believes in me more than I believe in myself. I’ve not had someone like that for a long, long time. When I get pulled into his office, my initial thinking is, ‘Oh no, what’s going to happen here?’ Then I come out feeling a million dollars. He builds you up and you think, ‘I’m more than good enough –I’ve played very well at this level’.
\\ EDDIE BELIEVES IN ME MORE THAN I BELIEVE IN MYSELF. I’VE NOT HAD SOMEONE LIKE THAT FOR A LONG, LONG TIME //
He also has a weird knack of saying something, then a couple of weeks later that thing happens. He’ll say, “We need to work on playing against 10 players”, then on the Saturday, someone will get sent off. He could say anything and I’d do it for him. He has helped to change my career in such a positive way.
I love coming in every day. I love working with him and his coaching staff. I feel like they’ve always got my best interests at heart. There’s a lot more to come from me and I think they just want to get it out of me. The next stage is to score more goals, be more creative and be more of a leader. You can see that happening a bit more this year.
You’ve played under three very different managers, all big characters in football. What have you taken from each?
Rafa was great for me: a person who’d speak about football all of the time. Whether you were walking down corridors at the training ground, having lunch or walking off the pitch, he was always trying to coach you. You think you know what football is, then you speak to him and there’s just so much more to it. His defensive block – if you were half a centimetre out, he’d stop the training session and say, “You need to do this.”
Steve Bruce was more about trying to be the man-manager and getting players motivated to play. Whether people agree or not with how he did it, that’s not for me to say. He was much different to the other two. Rafa and Eddie want to really coach you, whereas Steve was a manager: he picked the team and that’s it.
Working under Rafa, you think you know a fair bit about the game – then Eddie comes in and his attention to detail is out of this world. We’re more high-pressing and aggressive. People won’t realise it, but we’ve got numerous patterns of play – we have seven different types of crosses! If I was an aspiring coach now, I’d be trying to copy Eddie every day.
At Burnley, Howe made his players herd sheep on a team bonding trip. Has he had you doing any unusual exercises like that?
[Laughs] Nah, none of that yet. I heard that on a podcast and asked him about it – he was like, “Ah, I just can’t get rid of this story. ”His assistant, Jason Tindall, is very good at keeping everyone together. I’ve been involved in squads where the lads play, go home and that’s it, but here it’s the total opposite. The lads are here until really late and we’ll just sit in the canteen and talk about life. I think, for the majority of us, this will be the team we speak about when we retire.
You captained the team in the League Cup at Old Trafford last season and beat Manchester United 3-0. It doesn’t get much better than that, right?
\\ THAT WAS REALLY SPECIAL – A MOMENT I’LL LOOK BACK ON,
AND A GAME I’LL NEVER FORGET
//
No, it doesn’t. I didn’t see that coming, either. Miguel Almiron and Bruno Guimaraes were in the changing room saying, “Oh, who’s the captain?” I was like, “I don’t know – probably Dummy [Paul Dummett].” When our kitman gave me the armband, I chucked it over to Dummy and he said, “What are you doing?” I was like, “Was that for me? Oh, all right.”
That was really special – a moment I’ll look back on, and a game I’ll never forget. What makes it more special is that we won 3-0 and I played alongside Matty Ritchie, the reason I was in that position. I remember giving the manager a big hug and just saying, “Thank you” after the game. He said, “Don’t thank me – you’ve earned it.”
I’ll have to get my top from that game framed. I have the armband, but my missus washed the shirt and turned the white stripes green! It’s sorted now: back to black and white. Jacob Murphy and Matty Ritchie said they should give me an armband every game – not even to be captain; simply put the armband on and pretend – because it’s the most focused I’ve been.
It was ironic that you captained Newcastle at Old Trafford, having been linked with a £50 million move there in 2019 when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge…
I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and I felt the same that night, walking out and looking around. If that move had happened, I’d never have been about for the Newcastle takeover, I’d never have met this manager and I’d never have been able to captain the club. There are so many things I wouldn’t have been able to do.
I’m happy it didn’t happen in the end, because what I’ve gone on to achieve over the last two years – scoring in a League Cup semi-final, getting to play in a cup final, playing in the Champions League – have been things I never thought would happen, playing for Newcastle.
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When the Manchester United stuff came around, I was still so young. I’d probably deal with it differently now and not allow myself to get caught up in every little thing going on with it. I was coming back from my knee injury at the time, trying to get fit to prove I could still play. People are talking about you and have built you up so much that the perception is, ‘Now you’re like Lionel Messi’. Everyone was expecting too much. Meanwhile, I was in the gym thinking, ‘I can’t even do one squat’. There was so much going on, but none of the Manchester United stuff came to fruition and I seemed to go from up here to down there.
How close was the move?
\\ WHEN THE MANCHESTER UNITED STUFF CAME AROUND, I WAS STILL
To be honest, I’m not 100 per cent sure. At the time, Rafa had left, and I’ll be the first to say that as soon as I saw Rafa go, I thought, ‘Oh, he’s just given me a chance – he knew me’. Then the new boss comes in and straight away you get a feel for people, and I could sort of tell that we were going to butt heads.
Then the club stated, “We want £50 million for you” and you think, ‘Well, that’s because they’ve lost Rafa’. Then they said, “We’ll give you a new contract”, but they never gave me a new contract. It plays with your head a bit, and I just thought it was very disrespectful. My contract was winding down and you think, ‘Ah, I’m probably not going to be here anymore’ – then the takeover happens, the new manager comes in and you think, ‘Oh s**t, I’ve only got a year left on my contract and now I really want to stay here!’
It’s bygones. I love coming in every single day now and hope I can be here for a while.
In 2020, you spoke of your mental health struggles. Did you come out of it stronger?
I think so. Looking back, it probably helped to make me mentally tougher in dealing with setbacks, whatever life throws at you. You think it’s always going to be rosy, but it’s not like that. It’s great now because I’m out the other side of it, playing every week and with a coach who really trusts me. Beforehand, I remember walking in, training every day and going home, and it was just a spiral of negativity.
Matty Ritchie was massive for me, as he put me in contact with a professional. I remember the first phone call; you think, ‘Is this really going to help?’ A few years later, you’ve seen how far I’ve come.
\\ MATTY RITCHIE WAS MASSIVE FOR ME, AS HE PUT ME IN CONTACT WITH A PROFESSIONAL //
Do you still speak to that person?
I still speak to them every morning on the way in and then after training. As I’ve gotten better, I can go a few days without speaking to them, but for me it’s like a safety blanket, knowing that I’ve spoken to them. It helps, so why would I change?
If you played consistently for Newcastle into your mid-30s, you could conceivably reach Jimmy Lawrence’s club record of 496 Magpies appearances. How does that make you feel?
Lawrence’s number is up on the wall here at the training ground. I remember walking in one morning and thinking, not necessarily the top, but the top 10: ‘Is that achievable?’ I sit here now, look at it and think, ‘All being well, touch wood injurywise, it’s something that could be achievable’. That would be amazing.
You’ve got to play well and deserve to be at the club, but if I can keep playing well, trying to score and trying to be as useful as I can in the team, then there’s no reason why I can’t be here for a very long time. Whatever figure I end up on is a bonus. I’ve always said, since I was a kid, that I wanted to play one match – and I played that one match. Every other is just a massive bonus.
Consistently playing for the club in Europe would get your numbers up. How did you find the jump in the volume of matches last season?
At the start, we played Milan, then Sheffield United after that. It was like, ‘Ah, it’s sound, this, I don’t feel too bad’. It’s when you have to do it again the next week, then play in the League Cup, then a few lads get injured and people start saying, ‘Oh, they look tired’, then some players probably think, ‘Oh, I am tired’ –they hear this stuff and it probably makes them feel a bit worse.
It makes you have even more respect for the top teams; the fact they do it every year and they’re still outstanding. They’ve done it before, so they’re used to it, but the respect you have for those players is unbelievable.
We’ve got the experience now: we know what it’s going to be like. Now we want to be back in those situations to show that we can do it better next time. Hopefully it’s better injury-wise and we can rotate a tad more, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. Every player’s the same: they’d rather be playing matches than training. It’s been difficult, but a great learning curve, and hopefully one we can use in the future.
\\
YOU’VE GOT TO PLAY WELL AND DESERVE TO BE AT THE CLUB //
What meant more to you: scoring twice against Southampton to send Newcastle to a League Cup final, or scoring to help defeat PSG in the Champions League?
It’s difficult to say – probably the PSG goal, because it was in the Champions League. It was a night made in heaven. Hopefully I’ll get to play in it again – you never know, football’s a strange game –but I could never experience that again.
I hope the PSG match will be like Newcastle vs Barcelona [in 1997], where people still talk about that night in 15 or 20 years’ time. And in general, just to walk out, hear the anthem, feel the atmosphere... I remember watching the Champions League on the telly and being a ballboy in the Europa League.
Sadly the rest of the campaign didn’t quite work out but, for us, the experience of being in it was unbelievable. Football is about making memories and that’s a memory I’ll have for the rest of my life.
You were injured for the away match in Paris. Is it true you watched it in a local pub next to your old secondary school?
Yeah – me, my brother and my mates. The people in there are people I’ve known since I was five or six – people who watched me at North Shields Juniors, then watched me go to Newcastle – so I don’t get much hassle. Everybody wants Newcastle to win.
It was funny: people in the pub were FaceTiming pals who were in Paris. Malcolm Macdonald watches matches in there sometimes, too, so you get to pick his brain and listen to his stories. It’s rare that I get to be a fan. Mine and my brother’s tops are on the wall in the pub as well, so it’s like a home from home.
Another famous Geordie, Sam Fender, went to your school. He’s slightly older than you – do you remember him?
No, though you hear about people who were really talented and he was one of those. We actually speak fairly regularly now. It’s easy to get caught up in the world of football, so it’s great to hear his stories. I love his music and it’s on at the training ground all the time.
Did you go to his shows at St James’ Park last summer?
Yeah, I did. They were incredible. That was the culmination of a fantastic year. He’s had two albums come out
season. It was the first time I’d ever drank a pint with my dad.
Your father, David, was the first man ever to receive 100 caps for Great Britain’s ice hockey team – was your introduction to sport on ice rather than grass?
It was a mixture. Being from Newcastle, it’s football first and foremost, but we went to ice hockey training a lot. You soon work out which one you’re better at. It sounds bad, but there’s loads more money to be made in England playing football! My dad probably pushed me down that [football] alley. I thank him, because it’s worked out.
I really enjoyed when he was coaching ice hockey at Whitley Bay. I’d go down there all the time and jump on the ice. That was my first taste of a team environment – how to act around a dressing room. He’s been my biggest influence and he’s the person I’m always trying to impress – even
Your younger brother, Matty, played for Newcastle and your uncle, Alan Thompson, started there before representing Bolton, Celtic and England. The family barbecues must be interesting!
[Laughs] It’s always competitive, no matter what we’re doing. We would play Frustration almost every night – I think my mam’s still got that game – and, I’m not lying, there’d be big fights. My dad would wind us up, or I’d wind my brother up, or he’d wind me up. It was funny. Winning was always the most important thing. Family get-togethers always had a game of some sort. There were some huge arguments, but it’s all love in the end.
Given your family’s ice hockey background, is the dream scenario to eventually see out your career at one of MLS’ Canadian clubs?
Oh, a million per cent. It’s funny actually: the boss of Toronto, John Herdman, was here not long ago. I met him and was then talking to [ex-sporting director] Dan Ashworth, saying, “Just so you know, I want to play for Toronto before I retire – two, three years in Toronto please.” In an ideal world, that’s how it’ll end. That’s where I want to retire, so maybe that could happen, but hopefully I’ve got plenty of years left in me here.
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I MARCHED INTO THE
PLAYERS’ LOUNGE
AND ORDERED A PINT, A GLASS OF RED WINE AND A GLASS OF WHITE WINE… SMASHED ALL THREE OF THEM BACK AND THEN ORDERED THE SAME AGAIN
Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston has experienced the highest highs and lowest lows of professional golf. In his new book, Golf Is Hard, he lifts the lid on both with brutal honesty.
SPORT
Inever knew that I was struggling with my mental health. I don’t think people always do. It’s the sort of thing that can just creep up on you, even when you’re giving yourself little clues that things might not be quite right. Like power drinking on your own. Or furiously hurling your golf clubs up trees. Or walking off the course and giving serious thought to never coming back. Looking back now, it’s easy enough to diagnose what happened and why. But I never even saw it coming. Everything was happening too quickly. Life was too wild. The entire period from the summer of 2016 to the end of 2017 felt like about a month. A mad, relentless month of golf and celebrity and pressure and absolute fucking chaos. No-one around me could see that I wasn’t coping at all, that I needed to take a step back. And so what happened happened, one selfdestructive step at a time.
Chasing Tiger
It’s funny, it’s so easy to see the problem now, but at the time I was just obsessed with trying to keep up with the best players. I’d finished in the top ten at The Open, hadn’t I? I should be keeping up with the best players.
\\ I FELT LIKE THERE WAS A TARGET ON MY BACK //
I should be up there with the likes of Phil Mickelson and Rory McIlroy and maybe even Tiger too. I was judging myself against everyone. I used to play with Rory and he’s won three Majors. Why haven’t I won three Majors?
I set myself impossible targets and then lost the plot when I inevitably fell short of them. I was just playing worse and worse, and then I’d literally tear up and hit another bad one and I’d be fucking livid. It was like this awful negative feedback loop, everything I did made it worse. If someone had tried to put an arm around me, I’d have
torn it off. If you’d have given me a hammer, I’d have looked for stuff to smash to pieces. It was a full-on temper tantrum. Fuck it. Fuck it all. I don’t give a shit. Stupid fucking sport. Get me off the course.
It’s like a toxin in your system, poisoning everything. And it hangs around. Usually I love speaking to people at a tournament, I’m always happy to have a chat or pose for a picture, but if anyone had approached me, and I don’t think they did – I don’t think anyone would have been brave enough –they wouldn’t have got anything from me. I felt like a fraud. Usually I love speaking to people at a
\\ EVERYTHING WAS HAPPENING TOO QUICKLY. LIFE WAS TOO WILD //
tournament – I’m always happy to have a chat or pose for a picture –but if anyone had approached me in that time they wouldn’t have got anything from me. I would have shouted at them, ‘Why are you even talking to me? I’m shit at golf, go talk to someone good.’
I was out of the clubhouse almost immediately, straight into my car and out of the car park. Get me the fuck out of this place. And as soon as I was away from the golf course, I started to calm down.
But then, even though I’d think that I was okay, that I was centred again, I continued to make things worse. I didn’t do any of the stuff that you’re supposed to do after a round of golf. I didn’t stretch, I didn’t eat well, I didn’t decompress.
(Un)happy hour
What I did do was go and have a few pints. And then I’d find some food. Some really good, but really bad food, if you know what I mean. I’d be out on the hunt for a barbecue place, a pile of red meat and a load of beer to wash it down. And I’d think it was just a bad day at the office. I’d think I was okay. But I really wasn’t okay.
In 2018, I was at the US Open, a really tough tournament at Shinnecock Hills. I played well on the first couple of days, two 73s on a brutal course. If I’d replicated that sort of performance across the four days, I could have finished in the top 20. But I got an 83 on the Saturday and it was an absolute horror show. Shit golf.
\\ PEOPLE WERE TREATING ME LIKE A LEGEND, BUT I HADN’T DONE DESERVE IT // ANYTHING TO
Sometimes a drink can really help you after a bad day; it helps you unwind, you have a chat with people, you might even have a laugh about it all. This was not one of those times.
I marched into the players’ lounge and ordered a pint, a glass of red wine and a glass of white wine. Saw them, wanted them, smashed all three of them back and then ordered the same again. And I still didn’t think I had a problem. Funny, isn’t it? It should have been obvious. Who orders that round for themselves? Even teenage drinkers know that you don’t mix grape and grain. It’s an act of self-destruction. There’s no other reason you would order and down those drinks.
People were saying, ‘Are they all for you?’ And I was just like, ‘Yeah. So fucking what? Are you telling me not to drink? Fuck off.’
My caddie had to intervene at 9 p.m., by which point I was absolutely battered and had to be guided back to my bed. An absolute fucking mess.
The price of fame
It was all so stupid. I should have been having the time of my life. I was only a few years on from the Jamega competitions and the Challenge Tour. I should have lapped up every moment of the European Tour, and then I should have been thanking my lucky stars that I was on the PGA Tour, but I couldn’t see it like that.
Ever since The Open, ever since the world had gone all mad and everyone wanted a bit of me, just being there wasn’t enough. In 2016, it was all a great big adventure and I was just happy to be there. By 2017, I wanted more.
The big problem was that my level of fame was completely out of line with my level of performance. People were treating me like a legend, but I hadn’t done anything to deserve it. I was embarrassed by it. The media attention was insane. There was a survey saying people are more excited about seeing me on the PGA Tour than Tiger Woods. That blew my mind. I went to Los Angeles and I got invited on the Chelsea Handler show. I went to New York and I got taken on a tour of the city’s best burgers. I didn’t feel like I deserved any of it. But I desperately, desperately wanted to get to the part where I did.
I was trying to force myself to catch up with the legends so that it would all even out. I was trying to force myself to get much, much better. And you can’t force golf.
Off course
Unrealistic expectations ruin everything. They overtook my brain. I’d hit one onto the green, 20 feet from the hole. A perfectly fine shot. But I’d be all, ‘Argh! For fuck’s sake!’ A good putt, the ball rolls around the lip of the hole, I tap in for the par. For fuck’s sake! I should have been fine with these shots, but they just made me fume at myself. I was like that all the time. And it just carried on getting worse and worse.
I was fine when I was in my hotel room. I could just shut the door and be alone. No-one could come in and I just had peace and quiet. But eventually I’d have to go back onto the golf course, and that’s when the anxiety grew. In 2017, I was able to brush it off and sleep. By 2018, I was struggling to do that. I’d just stare at the ceiling wondering what the fuck was going on.
I told my caddie, ‘Mate, if you get the offer of another bag, you should take it. Promise me you’ll take it because I don’t know what the fuck I’m going to do next.’ I didn’t want to have anyone relying on me. Caddies have got to earn a wage, they need their bonuses. If I’m playing shit, if my head’s not there, I’m basically useless. I pushed him away;
SPORT
he went and found another player. The fewer people I had who relied on me, the better.
All I could think was, ‘Oh fuck, when’s the next tournament? I can’t do another tournament.’ ‘What the fuck am I going to do?’
It’s astonishing that I lasted so long before the inevitable happened. We went to Perth for a tournament and they were so good to us. They really looked after us. I felt an obligation to perform, that pressure to really show up. We were at the practice day, a pro-am day, when the feeling hit me like a tidal wave, and I turned to Jodie and said, ‘I can’t do it.’
\\ I WAS
FURIOUS WITH MYSELF //
She tried to talk me down, but it wasn’t happening. I was like, ‘I’m done, I’m out. I can’t do it.’
I let everyone down, all those people who wanted to see me play, the people who’d looked after us. I felt awful. I just went back to the hotel room and cried my eyes out.
We went home, I took some time off and planned to come back for the Indian Open, but at the last minute I pulled out again. I couldn’t do it. And that’s when Jodie turned around and said, ‘You need to see someone. You need to get real help.’
A helping hand
down and we were able to talk about how quickly everything had happened, how quickly the fame had come around and how unprepared I was for everything. And I found myself thinking, ‘Fucking hell, you’re right. That makes sense.’ I’d never even thought about it before.
That was the first stage, understanding the problem. The second stage was finding a way to cope with the problem.
And really, it’s just like practising your golf. You’re just practising your mental side. You’re practising how to deal with what’s in your head. Things like allowing yourself to fall short every now and then.
I was pretty resistant at first. I said no. I was really stubborn about it. I found the whole idea of asking for help to be really embarrassing. I didn’t want it to be a big thing.
But it was a big thing and eventually I gave in and went to see one of the sports psychiatrist Steve Peters’ people. It took me a few sessions to get into it. I wasn’t comfortable with it at first, but soon I was able to open up and explain how I was feeling. I just said to them, ‘I literally don’t know what’s going on in my head. I can’t physically get myself onto a golf course.’
But they started to break things
\\ I FEEL LIKE I CAN WEAR EVERYTHING I’VE BEEN THROUGH LIKE A SUIT OF ARMOUR, YOU KNOW? //
Realising that golf is a game where you’re going to lose way more than you’re going to win.
There’s such a fine line between belief and expectation. And if you cross over from belief to expectation, it can get dangerous. And that’s what I did. I crossed over, I expected to win, I piled pressure on myself to win and then I was furious with myself when I didn’t.
The way I saw it, if I’d finished in the top ten of a Major, then I should be able to win a Major. And there’s nothing wrong with that, is there? You have to believe in yourself, don’t you? Anything else would be defeatist. If you don’t believe you can win, then there’s no point playing. So I wanted to hit that level of peak performance every single time I picked up a club. But there’s a fine line between a healthy level of belief and utterly unrealistic expectations, and I had just screamed over that line at about Mach 3. I pushed myself even harder. And we all know how that goes on a golf course. And I did it for two years until it all got too much. I can see it now, but I couldn’t then. Now I can train my brain to see where the line is and stop short of it.
SPORT
A fresh approach
I can say, ‘I might win ten tournaments, but I might not win one.’ Am I going to try to win ten tournaments? Yes! Fucking hell, yes, I am. But if I don’t, it doesn’t matter. My mind was blown at how simple it all was when you put it like that.
If my golfing career was a graph and there were two lines, one for my performance and one for my popularity, that was where it went wrong. My performance line was going up nice and steady and then my popularity went vertical, straight up in the air, and I couldn’t handle it. I tried to force the performance line to meet it and I lost all perspective.
I didn’t know what was going on or why everyone wanted a piece of me. Was it just because I had a big beard? Is that why people wanted to have their picture taken with me? What the fuck was it about me that was different? I felt like a fraud. They were treating me like a legend and I wasn’t one. I didn’t want to be a clown who was known for playing bad golf and messing around. I didn’t want to fail.
Back in 2012, I could fail on the European Tour and no-one would really notice. But now there were other people’s expectations to contend with. People knew who I
was, or to be more accurate, they had their perception of who I was. I used to really worry about that. I wanted to live up to what they thought about me, not fall short. I’d walk onto the course thinking, ‘You’ve got to play well today, people are watching you. If you play shit, you’re going to look like an idiot.’
One of things I’ve learned from the psychology is that if you take five people and ask them about another person, by and large, one of the five will really love that person whatever they do, three will make a judgement according to what they see, and one will really hate that person whatever they do. So the doc says, ‘On that basis, how many people do you think hate you already before you’ve even done anything? So why are you bothered by what people think? Some people will hate you whatever you do.’
In the past, I’d worry too much about what people thought of me. I felt like there was a target on my back. People are watching you, they’re watching your scores. They want to talk about you, they want to spread shit about you. And
now I know that you just have to let them. It’s out of your control.
I feel like I can wear everything I’ve been through like a suit of armour, you know? That I’ve got the experience and the wisdom to get through anything now. I don’t know if I’ll get back to where I was in 2016, challenging for a Major, but I do know that I’ll be able to cope with everything that goes with it much better. The pressure isn’t going to get to me, I’m not going to fight with my own expectations. I can handle it now. Coming back into golf doesn’t scare me. I used to get nervous before tournaments, but I don’t get that now. I don’t feel sick thinking about it. I know what to expect. But I know that I wouldn’t have got through this without Jodie. I wouldn’t be playing golf now if it wasn’t for her. She’s the one who fights for me, she tells me off if I’m slipping back into bad habits. Without her, I’d be finished.
‘THEPADDYBADDY’ PIMBLETT
JAW LIFE SAVER
‘THEPADDYBADDY’
PIMBLETT
One of UFC’s hottest talents puts opponents to sleep inside a cage for a living but has saved lives with his openness around mental health.
WORDS ROB GRIFFIN
SPORT
Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett is one of the most exciting talents in Mixed Martial Arts and has been tipped as a future UFC world champion.
The 29-year-old Scouser is already one of the sport’s biggest names thanks to his trademark mop haircut, outspoken views, and edge-of-theseat fighting style.
But it was his emotional plea for men to speak about their feelings, in the wake of losing a close friend to suicide, that brought him to the attention of non-MMA fans.
He subsequently set up ‘The Baddy Foundation’, which aims to help local communities and combat the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.
In fact, his phenomenal popularity is reminiscent of the early Conor McGregor years, when the Irishman rose from obscurity to international superstardom.
Fighting out of the famed Next Generation MMA gym in Liverpool, Paddy currently boasts a professional record of 22 wins and three defeats. His victories include the Cage Warriors featherweight
\\ THE GOAL WAS ALWAYS TO FIGHT. I NEVER DID IT JUST AS A HOBBY //
championship, which he won back in 2016 in front of a jubilant crowd in his home city of Liverpool.
He signed with the UFC in 2021. He’s won all six fights since then, with half finishing in the first round.
In a lightweight division stacked full of killers, he’s ranked 14th in the world and climbing.
But Paddy hasn’t had it easy. Numerous injuries and setbacks have dogged his career, as have the mental battles he’s had to fight along the way.
Here we chat with Paddy about his future ambitions, how life has changed since the birth of his twin girls, and why he expects Hollywood to come calling.
What was your life like before you found MMA?
I was born and bred in Liverpool. It was me, my mum and dad, my older brother and older sister, and I lived in
the same house until I moved out with my missus. It was just a normal life, even though I was a bit of a little shit when I was younger! I started doing MMA when I was 15 years old and the rest is history. I quickly realised it was what I wanted to do so left college and started training full-time.
What
made you fall in love with
MMA?
I saw a fight between Diego Sanchez and Clay Guida in which they just tried to take each other’s heads off for 15 minutes. I was like, ‘This is boss!’ Then I watched the live event between Vitor Belfort and Rich Franklin, and Belfort knocked him out in the first few minutes. I then started training at Next Generation. It’s the best decision I ever made. I was in the gym every night.
Did you always want to be a fighter – and what would you have done otherwise?
The goal was always to fight. I never did
it just as a hobby. When I first got my hand raised, I’d never felt anything like it. That was it. From that day forward, I was like: ‘This is what I want to do.’
My dad had wanted to send me on an underwater welding course when I was younger, so (if I wasn’t fighting) I’d either be doing that or in jail!
What can you remember about your first MMA fight?
Someone pulled out and my coach Paul (Rimmer) asked me in to spar. The fight was a week later and my opponent was 24 years old and had already beaten someone from our gym who was a year older than me so Paul wanted to make sure I looked alright. There’s all sorts going through your head in a fight but I just felt at home. I ended up winning by split decision. I just took him down, got on top, and won the fight.
Did your career take off quickly?
I had about nine amateur fights in 15
months and won them all. I wasn’t really struggling to make weight as I was still only a kid, so I fought as often as I could. I ended up going pro when I was 17 because there was no one left to fight. I went 3-0 as a pro and then signed with Cage Warriors.
What was it like being in Cage Warriors?
It was a big step up as there’s no easy fights in Cage Warriors. My first was one of my toughest ever fights. I’d just turned 18 and was fighting a fella who was about 34 that had already got the better of one of our lads in sparring so everyone thought I was going to get beat. I won every round.
You captured the featherweight championship during your time in Cage Warriors, but what were your lowest points in that period?
\\
II STARTED DOING MMA
WHEN I WAS 15 YEARS OLD AND THE REST IS HISTORY //
The lows were losing the Cage Warriors featherweight title to Nad Narimani and then not winning the Cage Warriors lightweight title against Soren Bak. In the Nad fight I had food poisoning and when I fought Bak in the September, I’d had wrist surgery in the May. That was stupid of me as I shouldn’t have fought. In the fight I had him in a rear naked choke in the first round with the arm that was fucked underneath his neck so I couldn’t get a proper squeeze on it. If you watch it, he goes to kip a few times but wakes back up and the ref doesn’t stop it.
How
do you rebuild yourself after losses?
When you lose a fight, it’s like you’ve lost someone in your family. It’s the worst feeling the world, it really is. It’s like someone’s just died. The amount of hard work and sacrifice that you put in to get there – especially with how much I believe in myself – when you don’t come out with the win, it hits you even harder mentally. The Bak one was the worst as it was all because of my hand. I should have won that fight. He would have gone to sleep in the first round if my hand wasn’t compromised.
What are the positives you take away from defeats?
You have to change things when you lose. After I lost to Bak in 2018 I started doing weights. I’d never done weights before but that drastically helped my strength and overall physique. I’d only just moved up to lightweight then because it was killing me to make featherweight, so I didn’t bulk up properly. When we fought, Bak was well bigger than me. I got in the cage about 165 pounds; he was probably about 180/185 pounds.
What was it like joining the UFC?
It was always the goal to be in the UFC but I knew the first two times they offered me a contract that I wasn’t ready, so turned them down – and I was right as I ended up losing more fights. Getting signed was something I fully expected so when it happened it just felt
you actually fight in the UFC that you start to feel it.
What have been the highs and lows of your UFC career so far?
I love finishing fights. Obviously, the lowest point was the Jared Gordon fight as a lot of people don’t think I won, but then my highest point was beating Bobby Green and becoming ranked. When I watch it back, I feel bad because he’s unconscious for about 10 seconds. That’s the best win of my career on paper so far, but there’s also the knockout against Luigi Vendramini and submission wins over Rodrigo Vargas and Jordan Leavitt.
\\ YOU HAVE TO CHANGE THINGS WHEN YOU LOSE //
Everyone remembers you speaking passionately about losing your friend to suicide after your win over Jordan Leavitt in July 2022. Can you tell us about that period?
I was due to weigh in at 9am so had already started the cut. I went to bed about midnight feeling very drained and then my mate rang about 3.30am. He sounded upset and told me that our friend Rikki had killed himself. I just burst out crying. As I couldn’t sleep, I ran a bath. My mate sent me a picture of him crying his eyes out. I sent him a selfie back lying in the bath, crying my eyes out. I’ve still got it. I weighed in at 9am and the fight wasn’t for another 36 hours so we were getting more information about what had happened. You always hear when someone kills themselves that they were the life and soul of the party, but that’s exactly what he was. We’ve got some great photos from when we were 17/18 in parties, sweating our heads off.
Had you planned to make that speech in the octagon after your win?
No, I didn’t plan it. I just said to Paul (Rimmer) that I’ll have to say something. With Rikki it was close to home, but I’d also heard about a lot of people killing themselves.
How did setting up The Baddy Foundation come about?
I asked Graham (Boylan, his manager) what we could do and we discussed it. That fight was in the July and we had the charity open by the December. I’ve since received loads of messages from people saying: ‘Without you I would have killed myself.’ One of those messages is worth everything. Someone saying they haven’t killed themselves because of something I’ve said is mad.
Why are so many men struggling?
It’s just that we don’t speak. We think it’s weak if we speak to someone. Before all this, I was the same. I bottled shit up when I struggled with my mental health after losing fights. I remember Laura going to work, giving me a kiss and saying see you later, but I’d just sit there for half an hour, crying into my pillow, thinking: ‘How did that happen?’
That went on for quite a while and was getting worse so I mentioned it to someone. I think it was my boxing coach, Chris. He said he’d been like that a few years ago and told me to get it off my chest. After that I spoke to someone else, and then Laura, my now wife. I woke up the next morning and it really did feel like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
\\ SOMEONE SAYING THEY HAVEN’T KILLED THEMSELVES BECAUSE OF SOMETHING I’VE SAID IS MAD //
\\ THE WORST TIME, MENTALLY, IS WHEN YOU’RE INJURED AND CAN’T TRAIN //
Do you still have problems?
Of course. Everyone’s got the capacity to struggle. Before my fight against Bobby Green, I was really struggling about six or seven weeks out. My coaches didn’t know if it was a good idea for me to fight unless I was 100%. However, once we got to four or five weeks out, I felt great again. I looked on fire in rounds; I just felt good and it showed in the fight.
What injuries have you sustained?
When I fought Jared Gordon, I snapped every ligament in my right ankle. I did the interior ligament, the outer ligament and the CFL. I’ve now got an artificial ligament in my ankle.
I’ve also had two surgeries on my right hand and broken my nose.
I’ve got tears in both my shoulders, so I’ve got arthritis there at the age of 29 and bones that shouldn’t be sticking out of my shoulder.
I’ve even got a sprain on my ankle right now as I went over it earlier in the week!
How do you cope with injuries?
The worst time, mentally, is when you’re injured and can’t train. That’s when it gets to you. When I had the ankle surgery that was the worst, because I was on crutches and in a boot for 12 weeks. When you do your wrist it’s hard but at least you can still walk around and do other things. When I did my ankle, it was after the Jared Gordon fight when
everyone turned on me and started chatting shit. I couldn’t even fight as soon as possible to make it right. I had to get surgery and sit out for nearly a fucking year. I was even sleeping on the couch because it was hard work getting upstairs.
It’s just disgusting what your mind does over time. I need to be in the gym or doing something. Like even today, I can’t really train so I went for a sauna and steam with a mate and did some chest and arms.
What is your training regime?
I’m in Next Generation every morning 10am till 12noon, Monday to Friday. I do strength & conditioning twice a week, Wednesday and Saturday; and I box twice a week, Monday/Thursday or Monday/ Friday. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we’ll spar. We’ll do some pads, and then spar five rounds. And that’s out of camp. In camp we’ll do more specific stuff to work on for an opponent.
What is your fighting goal and how long before you get a title shot?
To be a UFC world champion. I’ve always said that if you’re in this sport and don’t want to be a world champion, you’re in the wrong game. Go and do a team sport where your team can carry you.
(A title shot) will only take two fights – three fights, tops. Two would be a something like Renato Moicano and then Charles Oliveira. Three fights would be Moicano, then someone ranked about sixth, then a rank one or two opponent.
Looking ahead, what is your immediate focus?
I want to keep getting better and not worry about anyone else. I believe I could beat any fighter in the world. Put Islam Makhachev (UFC lightweight champion) in front of me and I’ll beat him. If you think any different, go and do a different sport. Simple as that, because you’re getting in there to fight. If you believe in yourself 98%, that’s 2% saying you’re not going to win.
Who
would
be your dream opponent?
Obviously, everyone’s dream opponent is probably Conor McGregor. Anyone who says otherwise is an idiot as he’s the money fight.
But my dream fight is Ilia Topuria (UFC featherweight champion). I want to punch that Spanish bastard’s head
\\ IF YOU BELIEVE IN YOURSELF 98%, THAT’S 2% SAYING YOU’RE NOT GOING TO WIN //
in. (Giving him his first loss) would be brilliant but it’d be even better if I win the lightweight belt and he’s still featherweight champion and he comes up and tries to be double champ and I beat him. That would be orgasmic!
Any non-pros you’d like to face in the cage?
I’d like to punch Mark Zuckerberg. That prick’s got me banned on Insta twice. I’ve had two accounts disabled, one with like a million followers and another with a couple of hundred thousand, so I’d have more followers than I’ve got now if it
Who
were your idols?
I always say Big Nog (Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira). He was the fighter I loved, as well as Rampage (Quinton Jackson). Rampage I just liked his personality while Big Nog would take a beating and never give up. There were a lot of fights that he ended up submitting people after losing for 10 minutes.
Any changes you’d like to see in the UFC?
Everyone would say more money because they all want to get paid more. That’s the same in every job, but I get paid nice so I don’t mind. It would be nice to have some more weight classes but at the same time there’s too many in boxing so that probably helps our sport.
\\ I KNOW FOR A FACT I’M GOING TO END UP IN HOLLYWOOD
FILMS
AND TV SERIES //
What’s your view on YouTube fighters?
They’re embarrassing. It’s taking the piss out of boxing, to be fair, but if people pay to see it…! It’s a freak show, know what I mean? There used to be travelling circuses 200 years ago. However, Jake Paul looks a lot better now that he’s been focused on it for two to three years.
How many more years have you got left fighting and what will you do afterwards?
Five or six years, until I’m 35 or 36.
Leave the fighting before the fighting leaves you.
I know for a fact I’m going to end up in Hollywood films and TV series. That’s where I’ll make most of my money from. I was invited to the premiere of The Gentlemen series and was speaking to a lot of the actors and someone said if they do a season two, they should get me in.
Within fighting, if they wanted me to be a commentator or analyst, that would be easy for me.
Would you follow your teammate Molly McCann’s lead and open a restaurant?
I do love my food so you never know. The only thing is I’d probably lose money because I’m a fat bastard and I’d be eating all the stuff! I’ve got mates who are joiners and roofers so I’d love to help them open their own business and do things with them. Also, everyone knows there’s money in property, so I’d like to get some before I retire.
What do you think makes you so popular?
It’s because I’m me. I’m unapologetically myself. That’s why I think I’ve got the popularity. I don’t put a mask on or try to be something I’m not, even though some people did think that at first. What you see is what you get. If you don’t like it, eat shit!
How
do you feel about haters?
I always get hate. If you’re not hated, you’re not doing your job. I’m loved and hated and it’s better that way because if you love me, you’re going to tune in and watch me fight, and if you hate me, you’re going to tune in and watch me fight as you want to see me get knocked out.
What’s it like becoming a dad?
It’s amazing. It’s boss but it’s the most stressful thing in the fucking world. We don’t often get to sit down as we’ve got twins in the house. I don’t know how my missus does it on her own when I go to the gym. It’s mad.
Do you have time for any hobbies?
I go to as many Liverpool games as possible. Now I’ve got two children it’s very hard so this season I’ve only been away to Milan and the Emirates, but I’ve been to most of the home games. I used to play on the Xbox but don’t really get time. I enjoy a sauna and steam, sleeping, watching films, and sometimes playing tennis with the lads.
You’re known as being quite political and outspoken. Are there any changes you’d like to see?
It doesn’t matter what we’d like to see, because nothing will change. Labour’s just the same as the Tories now. It’s probably better for tax reasons for me to vote Tory, but I’d never do that to my city. However, Labour is basically the same fucking thing. They’ve just got a different colour tie.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given – and what would you tell aspiring fighters?
There’s a little quote that I love that’s on the wall in Paul’s gym: ‘Success isn’t owned. It’s rented. And the rent is due every day’. My advice would be to listen to your coaches and the people who care about you. Listen to the closest people to you, because they’re the only ones who are arsed. Dickheads on the internet don’t give a fuck.
Men’s hair myths… DEBUNKED
Award-winning hairdresser Jim Shaw, Director of TONI&GUY Billericay, shatters some wellworn untruths when it comes to men’s hair.
WEARING HATS LEADS TO HAIR LOSS
Wearing hats regularly will not cause hair loss or hair thinning. However, it is important to be cautious when putting on/taking off your hat and to keep your hats clean as much as possible, as dirty hats can lead to the scalp becoming irritated and itchy and constant friction from hat-wearing or tight hairstyles can lead to the hair becoming damaged.
WASHING YOUR HAIR EVERY DAY IS BAD FOR IT
This is untrue. Everybody’s hair produces oil at different rates, and many men will require their hair to be washed every day due to the buildup of oils and hair starting to look oily or greasy. Of course, you can also use a dry shampoo to absorb any excess oils, but you will not want to use this product too often as it can cause build up on the scalp and scalp irritation. Washing every day or every other day is advised for those with oilier hair types.
GEAR
HAIR GROWTH PRODUCTS DON’T WORK
Many men try a few products designed to ‘reset hair loss’, have little success, and then believe that all hair growth products don’t work. However, some do! But it’s important to note that not all products work for everyone. One product trending right now is rosemary oil, which has been scientifically proven to help promote hair growth, strength, and thickness. This can be a great product for men who would like to slow down hair loss and stimulate hair growth. Men with more serious cases of hair loss should visit a reputable dermatologist or trichologist who will be able to analyse their hair and provide them with a tailored treatment plan.
COLOURING YOUR HAIR IS UNHEALTHY
It’s true that bleaching is bad for your hair and can make it more prone to damage. However, not all colour services and treatments are particularly bad for your hair. Adding colour can be a great way to inject life and ‘plump’ up the appearance of your hair, give it a healthier, shinier appearance and allow it to look thicker. With hair colouring, never do it by yourself at home. Always visit a reputable men’s hairdresser who will use professional products and keep your hair condition in mind at all times whilst putting your hair through the colouring process.
PLUCKING GREY HAIRS LEADS TO MORE GREY HAIRS SHOWING UP
Another myth! However, this can be time consuming and painful too! Instead, embrace your grey hairs! Gray hair has never been so on trend, whether you wear it as an all over hair colour or experiment with grey blending. Ask your hairdresser or barber what they recommend for you.
THEGAMER
TheGamer is a gaming site with a different spin on things, and we break some of the biggest stories around. We wrote an extensive expose on workplace abuse at Techland, an oral history on Fable, and we were the first to report that PlayStation was moving to shut the Vita store down. For all your news, views, and reviews, (and guides, but that doesn’t rhyme), you should bookmark TheGamer. That’s TheGamer, no spaces.
Many people argue that gameplay is more important than graphics. And while that is arguably true, the importance of a game’s visuals should never be overlooked. For starters, it’s the first thing you notice about a title. When you see a trailer for a game, you don’t know all the gameplay mechanics, nor do you know how it feels to play. But if they’re using real game footage, you can see how the game looks. And good graphics can capture your attention and even serve as a visual stimulant.
The type of graphics that garner the most attention are realistic ones. This is because they’re the most impressive, since creating truly lifelike characters and environments is incredibly difficult to achieve. However, the following games manage to do it.
SENUA’S SAGA: HELLBLADE 2
LIKE PLAYING A MOVIE
The first Hellblade was no visual slouch, but Hellblade 2 reaches an almost absurd level of visual detail. Newer games always look gorgeous before we start to notice where it could be better, but Senua’s Saga reaches a new peak in graphics. You should be aware of what type of game it is before jumping in, though.
The game is fully focused on its narrative and stresses cinematic features before smooth gameplay. If that’s the type of game you want and understand it is a shorter AAA game experience, then Senua’s Saga has a lot to offer.
GEAR
10 9 ALAN WAKE 2
WE EXPECT NOTHING LESS FROM REMEDY’S VISUALS
Remedy always makes pretty games that balance the film influences while also never forgetting they’re video games first and foremost. Alan Wake 2 is purposefully slower and more methodical than Max Payne or Control, and its graphics are also more detailed.
The visuals have to hold up under a microscope considering the heavy use of live-action footage in the game, but it wouldn’t work if the in-game models weren’t recognizable as the actors portraying them. The visual fidelity makes the transitions between in-engine cutscenes and live performances smooth and not jarring.
HOUSE OF ASHES
CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
All of Supermassive’s narrative-focused games, most of which fall into the Dark Pictures anthology series, boast gorgeous visuals, but House of Ashes’ environments and characters shine the brightest.
It could have something to do with the more enclosed spaces or the use of lighting. There are great shots of people walking through the labyrinthine caves with just a torch and it highlights how great the visuals are. Lovers of good graphics should be warned that these games are scary, so boot it up at your own risk.
8 RED DEAD REDEMPTION 2
THE WILD WEST NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD
Red Dead Redemption 2 is known for being one of the most detailed games of all time, both in its mechanics and visuals. The latter means it’s also one of the most realistic-looking games ever. This is best observed by looking at all the animals that populate the land. The critters seem so lifelike.
It’s easier to notice because the game doesn’t move at too fast a pace. You’re encouraged to take in the open world and explore while you witness the slow demise of the iconic Van Der Linde gang.
GEAR
FORZA HORIZON 5
OPEN-WORLD ARCADE RACING BLISS
An area where the Forza series continually improves is in its visuals. Every new instalment sets the standard for graphics. It has gotten to the point in Forza Horizon 5 where if you see a bit of 4k footage from the game, it can trick you into thinking you’re looking at something real for a second.
Most of this is because of how incredibly lifelike the vehicles look. However, the game’s virtual representation of Mexico where you can drive around also looks beautiful. The realistic-looking weather effects certainly help the visual appeal of the game.
TRAVERSE
A BARREN WORLD WITH A BABY STUCK IN A CONTAINER
In Death Stranding’s first teasers, you got to see a virtual version of actor Norman Reedus that looked just like the real thing. From that point on, it was clear that this action game was going to be very visually impressive. And the graphics are certainly a sight to behold, and not just for the protagonist.
Every character’s face in the game looks so real. It’s easy to notice because most are modelled after real people, such as Mads Mikkelsen, Guillermo del Toro, and voice-actor extraordinaire Troy Baker. It isn’t just good face-scanning tech that allows this game to have realistic visuals, though. The environments you traverse while making your many deliveries look outstanding also.
6 DEATH STRANDING GEAR
5
WORTH THE PRICE OF PSVR 2
Gran Turismo is one of the most popular racing game series in history. It has been around for many years by this point. And it has typically set the standard for realistic visuals in racing games.
Yet, the early instalments don’t get anywhere near competing with Gran Turismo 7 in the graphics department. There are certain scenes where the game shows you a few different shots of a car and if saw them out of context, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re watching a real car commercial, as they look that realistic.
THESE ANDROIDS CLEARLY DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP
The story of Detroit: Become Human is about a bunch of highly advanced androids who are sick of the disrespect they receive from humanity. Several scenes in the game involve these androids going incognito by pretending to be humans. Even if they somehow came through the screen and lived in the real world, their blending-in methods would still almost work. This is because both the androids and humans in the game look so realistic, which helps to further suck you into a story that touches on real-world history and politics. And the visuals also help make a world filled with highly advanced tech feel real.
4 3 DETROIT: BECOME HUMAN HORIZON FORBIDDEN WEST
ALLOY VERSUS GIANT ROBOTIC DINOSAURS
There are many games set in a postapocalyptic world. In most cases, the worlds in them are bleak and run-down, and certainly not a treat for the eyes. Things are different in Horizon Forbidden
This is a post-apocalyptic RPG set in a bright and vibrant world that has mostly been taken over by machines. So, the predicament isn’t great for humanity, but it’s hard to think about that when you’re admiring the beautiful and realistic-looking wilderness in the game. The character models look fantastic, too.
GEAR
REALISTIC DISPLAYS OF BRUTALITY
An area gaming graphics have long struggled with is facial expressions. Games have typically had nice-looking faces that don’t look too real when a character speaks. This is understandable since making a face look real when it’s moving means getting the minute details correct, like the movement of the mouth and creases in the skin.
The Last Of Us Part 2, though, proves that realistic faces can be created with today’s technology. As such, you can recognize what some characters are feeling just from their facial expressions alone. This allows for more subtle storytelling than you see in the average game. So, while it’s a divisive entry in the popular series, nobody can deny its technological prowess.
CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE 2
NOT ONLY IS IT BEAUTIFUL, IT RUNS SMOOTHLY TOO
If you simply look at the gameplay of 2022’s Modern Warfare 2, you will appreciate the Call Of Duty game’s impressive visuals. But if you take a look at a cutscene, you will be blown away. The realism is unbelievable. In fact, during some scenes, you’d be forgiven for forgetting that you’re not watching a live-action movie.
This starts with the characters, who look a lot like real people. They’re complemented by the incredibly detailed environment, from bright deserts to grassy fields. They’re perhaps the most impressive cutscenes from a visual standpoint in gaming history.
If you’re worried about how gambling makes you feel, we can help.
