At Myprotein, we truly believe that looking after your mind is every bit as important as taking care of your physical fitness, and we recognise how important it is to keep the conversations around mental health going.
To celebrate Mental Health Awareness, in every week of October we are sharing an episode of The Locker Room — a series of candid interviews with our ambassadors and athletes that give their experiences with mental health a platform. Because we are #StrongerTogether.
In this second episode, pro-bodybuilder Abou Konate openly discusses how he struggled to live with the constant pressure of looking a certain way and training relentlessly even in off-season. He reflects on a time where he felt singled out during a competition for being the only black competitor and addresses the male tendency to keep emotions bottled up for the sake of appearing “tough”.
This is his story.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this video, the following organisations may be able to provide help and advice:
Mental Health UK: https://mentalhealth-uk.org/information-and-support/
CALM: https://www.thecalmzone.net/
Samaritans: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
Shout (a 24/7 crisis text line): text SHOUT to 85258
For every Stronger Together shaker sold throughout October, we’ll be donating £2.50 to Mental Health UK (registered charity number: 1170815).
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Lauren is a recipe writer and English Literature graduate who firmly believes in a balanced approach to fitness. She has always been a keen swimmer and, in recent years, has discovered the benefits of weight training and hot yoga. When she's not in the gym, you'll find her cooking up new recipes or enjoying brunch with her friends, having moved on from her student days of living on pasta.
