Latest news with #struggles
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Alarm over fit young women with silent 'old people' disorder... and the terrifyingly common cause
They appear to be the picture of health - young women in the prime of their youth with glowing skin and fit physiques. But, for a growing number quietly struggling with a crippling 'invisible' condition usually associated with old age, looks can be deceptive. Your browser does not support iframes.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
The terrifying Mounjaro side effect no one is talking about: DR JOANNA SILVER reveals shocking surge in patients with this condition after becoming 'addicted' to weight loss jabs
Can you get addicted to weight loss? You most certainly can – and recently, colleagues and I have noticed a surge in patients who for years have struggled with overeating but who now are getting such a high from losing weight that they can't stop. In some cases their body weight is low enough for them to be now classed anorexic.
South China Morning Post
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Netflix K-drama Resident Playbook review: romance to the fore in so-so medical drama
This article contains minor spoilers. 2.5/5 stars Lead cast: Go Youn-jung, Jung Joon-won, Shin Si-ah, Kang You-seok, Han Ye-ji Latest Nielsen rating: 8.14 per cent From a narrative standpoint, if Resident Playbook was about anything, it's how one young woman picked herself up by her bootstraps, went back to work, and made it through the first year of her medical residency. However, her struggles were not the point of the story.
New York Times
14-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Ashley Fletcher: The footballer who stared into the abyss and found a way back
Ashley Fletcher sat in a darkened car park for 45 minutes, wondering how his career had reached this point. The 29-year-old was emotionally crushed as he forlornly looked into the distance. Having been tipped for stardom when coming through the ranks at Manchester United alongside Marcus Rashford, he played in the Premier League with West Ham United before joining Middlesbrough for £6.5million. Advertisement Then Fletcher's career took a nomadic turn. There was a loan at Sunderland, then a permanent switch to Watford in 2021. Fletcher only made six appearances during his three years at Vicarage Road, which encompassed less than impressive loans to New York Red Bulls in MLS, Wigan Athletic and Sheffield Wednesday. He joined League One side Blackpool in July on a two-year deal after the expiry of his contract at Watford — and knew he had a point to prove. Four months later, Fletcher's career reached its nadir. 'We played Harrogate Town away in the EFL Trophy,' Fletcher tells The Athletic. 'I played poorly and got sarcastically cheered off by the Blackpool fans. After the game, I sat in the car park thinking, 'How has it come to this?'. Ollie Norburn (an experienced team-mate) checked on me to see if I was fine. I struggled to sleep that night. I hit rock bottom in my career. 'Without being disrespectful to Harrogate, they are a League Two side and that night they played their reserves. I'd played in the Premier League and Championship for the majority of my career and I couldn't get things going during that game. I spoke to my family after and they said I need to take action now or it could get worse.' In the build-up to Fletcher's performance against Harrogate, he had scored once and registered two assists in 11 league appearances for third-tier Blackpool. He joined them having failed to register a goal last season with Championship side Wednesday in 28 appearances. Since the 2021-22 season, he has scored just four league goals. Fletcher had grown tired of his form and the brief sojourns at club after club — but a meeting with Blackpool's manager Steve Bruce and advice from West Ham striker Michail Antonio and a sports psychologist have transformed his season. 'The morning after the Harrogate game, I spoke to the manager and the coaching staff,' Fletcher says. 'We spoke about getting my career back on track and ever since that day, it's been an upward trajectory. I feel like my old self again and I'm enjoying my football. Advertisement 'I haven't felt like this in the last three years, but I feel settled and loved at Blackpool. The last few years have been difficult, being at different clubs on loan and not having much momentum in my career. Fans either love or hate you when you're a loanee and if it goes wrong, you often bear the brunt of it. When I got stick from the fans, it felt like a hangover from the last few years. 'I got banned after an incident against Wycombe Wanderers in the fourth game of the season and missed the next three games. It was just one thing after another. Blackpool fans probably didn't feel excited about me joining. I wanted to change that perception, but it just wasn't happening. 'When I was younger, I used to read what fans said about me on social media. But now I've accepted you have good and bad moments in life. It's nice seeing positive comments from supporters, but I might have a bad game and you're back to being the worst thing.' Off the field, Fletcher is settled with wife, Megana, and daughters Sofia, two-and-a-half, and newborn Mabel, two months. Through their support, he has been yearning for stability on the pitch. After confiding in Bruce, Fletcher ended the campaign with 11 goals and eight assists in his 41 league appearances. It is the second time in his career (the previous being 2019-20 with Middlesbrough) that he has scored in double figures in a season. The turnaround was such that it led to Fletcher being voted the fans' player of the year at Blackpool, and of the many people he wants to thank, his sports psychologist Martin Perry is high on the list. 'I thought it was a wind-up when I won the award,' Fletcher deadpans. 'I thought, 'Me? Really?'. But besides my team-mates and the coaching staff, I owe Martin a huge amount of credit. He's been unbelievable. He's well regarded and worked with (British heavyweight boxer) Daniel Dubois before the Anthony Joshua fight. Martin unpacked the last few years and has helped heal some of those scars. He's part of my matchday routine. I'll speak to him for almost an hour on the morning of every game. Advertisement 'I initially used him during my loan spell at Sunderland. It was the first time in my career I experienced a lot of stick. There was the infamous line about me needing to be Sunderland's saviour during their Netflix documentary (Sunderland 'Til I Die). I was 20 or 21 and signed on deadline day to keep Sunderland up in the Championship. Huge pressure. 'Although they were sadly relegated, I scored a few goals and then had stability when I played for Middlesbrough. So I didn't use Martin during my time there. But the last three years have made me realise I should've used Martin sooner. I was at rock bottom and I needed his help. This turnaround is also largely due to him.' 2024/25 Supporters Player of the Season – Ashley Fletcher 🏆 🍊 #UTMP — Blackpool FC (@BlackpoolFC) April 28, 2025 Fletcher continues to explain how grateful he is to those around him. As with Perry, he is keen to express his appreciation for Antonio. The pair were team-mates during Fletcher's one season at the London Stadium, where his only goal for West Ham came against boyhood club Manchester United in a Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat. Antonio praised the young striker afterwards and they have remained close ever since. It is why Fletcher was distraught upon hearing his friend had been involved in a car crash in December. 'Michail is another who helped me during my lowest moment,' says Fletcher. 'He's someone I can always go to for advice. I was 20 when I joined West Ham and he was the first person I saw at the training ground. Ever since that day, we've been really close. I can't speak highly enough of him. I lived in the apartment next to him in Canary Wharf (in east London) and he helped me settle. 'So when I think about that incident, I'm so grateful he's still here with us. I was supposed to see Michail that Saturday evening because West Ham had a home game on the Monday. Someone texted me saying, 'Have you seen this?'. It was a picture of Michail's car. I texted him, but my message didn't go through. I just started praying that he would be OK. It was a very scary 24 hours. 'I found out later that night that he was alive, which was the most important thing. I'm just thankful that he's on the path to making a full recovery. I couldn't get down to see him in hospital but I saw him at his house. He's optimistic he'll be back playing again.' Advertisement Slaven Bilic, West Ham's manager between 2015-17, signed Fletcher as back-up to Andy Carroll, Antonio, Diafra Sakho and Andre Ayew. Mark Noble, Aaron Cresswell, James Collins and Carroll also helped him integrate into the team. A cherished item at Fletcher's home is a photo of him and his then team-mates celebrating during his Premier League debut, against Bournemouth, after an Antonio goal. He is reminiscing about happier times when he shares a cautionary tale about his introduction to a Premier League dressing room. 'We were 15th and weren't doing well in the league,' says Fletcher. 'The fans feared we were going down. Mark Noble got approval from the gaffer for us to go out for a team meal. We got beat on the Saturday and went out the day after because we had Monday off. 'We went to (£100 a head restaurant) Quaglino's in central London but I didn't have as much money as the rest of the lads. The bill came up to £35k ($46.3k) and everyone had to put their (bank) cards on the table for card roulette. I'm agonisingly waiting for the waiter to randomly pull out a card. Me and Declan Rice were the youngest there and thankfully Nobes said we could take our cards out (of the pile). I was so relieved. I wouldn't have been able to eat for the rest of the year if I had to pay the bill! That really introduced me to elite Premier League football.' Fletcher joined Middlesbrough for £6.5million the following summer. Across his four seasons there, he scored 27 goals in 107 appearances. Fletcher's smile remains present as he reflects on his year with West Ham. 'I didn't want to leave,' he says. 'An offer came in and the owner (David Sullivan) thought it was too good to turn down. I was in pre-season in Austria, the gaffer called me in and said an offer had been accepted. Next thing I know, I'm on a plane to Teesside and I've signed for Middlesbrough. It all happened so quickly. 'I enjoyed my time there, but I missed London. Recently, me and my wife went to the 02 Arena (in south-east London) to see Usher. After, we walked around Canary Wharf and it brought back memories. Advertisement 'That feeling I had at West Ham is how I feel now with Blackpool. We played Bolton and I scored in our 2-1 win. I went to the away end and they cheered me, but this time in a positive way. At one point, I was unsure where I would change their opinions of me. 'I was in a dark place where I truly wondered what was going on with my career. I'm grateful I've been able to turn it around.'
SBS Australia
11-05-2025
- General
- SBS Australia
다시 듣는 SBS Learn English: '갈등 털어놓기'
This lesson suits intermediate learners. After listening, scroll down and test your knowledge with our quiz. Learning notes Language objective Asking for help and supporting someone struggling How to ask a friend if they are okay I noticed you've been withdrawn. Is there anything wrong? When you're ready to talk, I'm here. How to talk about struggles with kindness and empathy I'm sorry I've been shutting you off lately. I'm so sorry you're going through this. I wish I could make things better. You're strong and you'll get through this. I'm always here for you. I can be your shoulder to cry on. What to say when you are struggling I've been going through a rough patch lately. I feel so out of depth. I've been struggling. It's been a lot. I just haven't felt like myself. It just feels like my world is falling apart. I feel depressed and anxious. I need support. I'm having a hard time. I haven't felt like myself ¸ means you haven't felt well or isn't able to behave their usual self. When someone says my world is falling apart , it means something bad or very serious is happening that causes their life to change. A shoulder to cry on is someone who listens to someone's problems with care and love. A rough patch is a difficult period. To be out of depth means to be in situation that is beyond one's capabilities or understanding. Anxious – to feel worry, nervousness, or unease Depressed – to feel constantly unhappy Empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of another Hotline - a special phone number set up for a specific reason Sympathy – observation and acceptance of what someone else is going through To open up – to communicate more To reassure – to remove doubts To shut off – to isolate or separate from someone To struggle – to have a hard time Withdrawn - not wanting to communicate with other people It can be difficult to talk about your problems and feelings, but talking with someone you trust can help a lot. But if you feel that there is no one you can trust with your feelings and problems or if you think you may need more professional help, there are counselling services in Australia you can contact. provides 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. also offers support to prevent suicide and to create a conversation around asking people if they are okay. If your struggle has to do with family and domestic abuse and, sexual assault, contact the police and ambulance for immediate help at 000, or for 24-hour counselling support. (Note: This is not a word-for-word transcript) Hi, my name is Nikki, and like all of you, I've gone through my own struggles, or challenges – both big and small. I've learned that whatever my struggles are, it's always good to be able to talk to someone about them. In this episode, we'll learn phrases you can use to support someone or ask for help yourself. Talking about problems can be hard to do. For some people, finding someone they can trust can be difficult, especially when it comes to uncomfortable issues. Let's listen to a conversation between friends Claire and Allan. Claire is going through struggles but finds it difficult to talk to Allan about them. Allan Claire, is there anything wrong? I've noticed you've been a bit withdrawn lately. Claire No, nothing's wrong. I'm okay. Allan You know I care about you a lot, right? Claire I do, but I don't feel like talking about it. Allan No pressure. When you're ready to talk, I'll be here. Allan felt that something was not right with Claire, so he starts a conversation with her by saying, I've noticed you've been a bit withdrawn lately. To be withdrawn means to not want to communicate with other people. Whilst Allan thinks that something might be wrong, Claire says that she's okay. Allan then says these kind words to make sure she feels comfortable to talk, You know I care about you a lot, right? These words are very simple but are very important to say. When a friend or a family member doesn't want to talk about what they are feeling, it's always good to remind them how much you care about them. Saying these kind words will make them feel like they can trust you with their problems. Other ways of saying you care could be, 'I'm concerned about you.' Or 'I love you very much, so I worry about you.' Although Allan shows his care for her, Claire still says that she's not ready to talk. And yes, that's okay. Allan understands that Claire doesn't want to talk and says, No pressure. When you're ready to talk, I'll be here. When someone says 'no pressure', it means that there is no need to do something right away. Allan assures Claire that she doesn't need to tell him now about what she's feeling, but that when she is ready, he will be there for with kindness and empathy. There is another word that is similar to empathy. That word is sympathy. What exactly is the difference between the two? To have empathy means to be able to understand what someone is going through and to be able to share their feelings. To have sympathy means to simply observe and accept that someone is struggling. Both are good things to feel. However, there is more closeness and warmth in empathy. With empathy, you're showing the other person that you can feel what they are feeling and that you understand them. In this next scenario, Allan speaks to Claire with empathy. Claire I'm sorry I've been shutting you off lately. I just haven't felt like myself. Allan It's okay. I understand. We all go through struggles. Claire It just feels like my world is falling apart. I lost my job and my partner left me. It's all too much. Allan Oh, I'm so sorry you're going through this. I know how hard it is to open up, so thank you for trusting me. I wish I could make things better. Claire Thanks for being such a good friend, Allan. Allan Of course. I'm always a shoulder to cry on. You're strong and you'll get through this, but when things get a bit too much and you need support, I'm always here for you. True friends are there for each other even when times are tough. Claire first apologises to Allan, saying, I'm sorry I've been shutting you off lately. I just haven't felt like myself. To shut someone off means to not communicate with them. She says that she hasn't been feeling like herself. This means that she hasn't been feeling well lately or she hasn't been behaving like she usually does. Allan assures her that it's okay and that, We all go through struggles. By saying this, Allan is empathising with Claire. It shows that he understands her because like everyone else, he also has times when he is struggling. Claire says, It just feels like my world is falling apart. When someone says that they world is falling apart, it means that they are going through something so difficult and serious that their whole life has changed. Can you remember what things were difficult and serious for Claire? She lost her job and her partner left her. I think that if this happened to me I'd probably also say… 'It's all too much' is an expression you can say when things get overwhelming, meaning to feel like too much, when bad things are just happening all at once. After learning of her struggles, Allan says these three things to show her empathy and care: I'm so sorry you're going through this. I know how hard it is to open up, so thank you for trusting me. To open up means to communicate more. I wish I could make things better. These are such kind words to show that you are there for those you care about. You could also say 'It's okay to be scared or sad', 'I'm sorry you're hurting' or 'I feel awful imagining what you're going through.' Claire thanks Allan for being a good friend and Allan responds, I'm always a shoulder to cry on. 'A shoulder to cry on' is someone who is willing to listen and be there for someone who is having a difficult time. He says, You're strong and you'll get through this, but when things get a bit too much and you need support, I'm always here for you. Allan shows kindness by reassuring her that she is strong and that he is there for her. When you reassure someone, you make them feel comfortable with their decisions. Claire is lucky to have Allan, but what if there's no one you trust enough to talk with about your struggles, or what if you need more professional help? Fortunately, in Australia, you can talk with a doctor, mental health professional and even call a mental health hotline for support. A hotline is a special phone number set up for a specific reason. There are different hotlines you can call depending on the situation you are in – if you're depressed, meaning you are feeling constantly unhappy, or even going through abuse in the home, which we will discuss later in this episode. If you haven't reached out for professional help before, you may not know how to start the conversation. You don't need to worry. Just imagine you are talking to a trusted friend. Listen to these examples for things you might say: I've been going through a rough patch lately. Claire A rough patch is a difficult situation. I feel so out of depth with work and I've been struggling with my personal life. Allan To be out of depth means to be in a situation that is beyond your capabilities or understanding. I've been feeling so depressed and anxious. Claire While depressed means to constantly feel unhappy, to feel anxious means to feel worried or uneasy. There can be times that you feel only one of these feelings or both of them at the same time. These three words are powerful and will help get you the support you need. There are many things that can cause us to struggle, such as work, money and failing relationships. But what if you're struggling because of abuse and violence that you are experiencing at home? How do you ask for support? Where do you turn? Here with me today is Edinel Magtibay from SBS Filipino, whom I worked with on ' ', a podcast series on domestic violence. Edinel Hi Nikki! Thanks for having me today to talk about this very difficult but important issue. We went through tough conversations, didn't we? But I could only imagine how much harder it was for our interviewees to talk about their experiences. Nikki Yes, very true. Do you remember some of the ways you were able to gain their trust and get them to open up? Edinel It was important to show empathy, to show them that we weren't only reporting on their stories, but that we cared. Some of the things I said were, 'I know how hard it is for you to open up, so thank you for trusting me' and 'I wish I could make things better'. Nikki Also, we didn't push. If they weren't ready to talk yet, we waited and said 'No pressure. When you're ready to talk, we'll be here.' Edinel Yes. I think us doing that series with empathy was also life-changing for us. For me now, whenever I go through rough patches or I feel out of depth, I remember the strength of our interviewees. Nikki Same here. If you're listening today and you're struggling with abuse in the home, please know that you can ask for help We hope this episode has helped you learn how to ask for help in English, but if you don't feel confident speaking in English, don't let that stop you. There is support in your language . for previews, updates and to provide feedback. Where to get help: If you're a victim of family violence or know someone who is, you can call to get help. If you require emotional support, you can contact on 13 11 14 or on 1800 22 46 36. If you need an interpreter, call 13 14 50. A big thank you to our educational consultant Professor Lynda Yates and, our guest Edinel Magtibay. Paul Nicholson and Lily O'Sullivan voiced the characters of Allan and Claire.
