Thread by @ftamsut

Fortuna Düsseldorf’s ultras are running an auction in support of local organizations against depression.

This is the story behind it.

When socially-engaged ultra groups turn personal tragedy into making a difference by raising awareness on mental health, thread.

1/15 #F95

First of all, trigger warning:

Suicide, depression, mental health. 2/15

Cedi was a Fortuna Düsseldorf ultra. In 2013, he lost his battle with depression. He was 21.

Here’s how #F95’s most well-known ultra group, Ultras Düsseldorf, describe him on their website. 3/15

After Cedi’s death, Fortuna Düsseldorf played at a home against SpVgg Fürth.

#F95 may have won the game, but there were no celebrations after the game.

A banner in memory of Cedi was put above the stand where the ultras stood back then. 4/15

In 2014, a year after Cedi's death, Fortuna Düsseldorf fans organized a choreo in his memory with the title “ultras never die!”

Cedi's name was on every single cardboard. 5/15

Fortuna Düsseldorf’s ultra scene does more just organizing choreos in Cedi’s memory.

In the past few years, various groups have been cooperating with local aid institutions against depression in their city.

In 2019, they raised €6,000 for the local depression aid center. 6/15

As part of their activities, Ultras Düsseldorf also called for both #F95 fans and others who are interested to attend an event with psychologists and mental health experts to talk about depression and the ways of dealing with it.

Parts of UD's statement from 2019. 7/15

Now, #F95's ultras are now running an auction, with all proceedings going to the local depression aid organisation.

Some of the items on offer: Stickers, scarves and clothes sold exclusively by #F95's ultra groups, signed merchandise and meet and greet with club legends. 8/15

The initiative is by no means exclusive to football fans.

Fortuna Düsseldorf’s ultra scene also managed to get many local institutions from their city on board.

Local attractions, cultural institutions and businesses all take part in the auction in various forms. 9/15

Fortuna Düsseldorf’s ultras aren’t the only supporters becoming active in raising awareness to depression in Germany's fan landscape.

Sankt Depri is an initiative by FC St. Pauli fans and the @FanladenStPauli which exists for the exact same purpose. 10/15

Does football take mental health seriously enough?

A @dw_sports piece by the ever-insightful @JonBloggs66. 11/15
dw.com/en/does-footba…

Something personal: In the past few years, I’ve been struggling with PTSD and depression.

It took me a while to understand this is a disease which needs treating, that I need to see an expert, just as I’d go to the doctor’s if I don’t feel physically well. 12/15

Five years afterwards, I’m hanging in there, also thanks to the people around me showing me time and again that there’s nothing wrong with not being OK, that it’s not my fault.

Struggling with your mental health often feels like you’re the loneliest person on earth. 13/15

If you’re experiencing a difficult time, please, please seek help.

It may seem like it, but you’re not alone. I’m like you. Many other people are like you.

If you’re in Germany, please check out @depr_hilfe or look for the local mental health helpline in your city. 14/15

Sources, photos: @rponline, Ultras Düsseldorf, fortuna_fans_gegen_depression (Instagram)

Special thanks to @Medienfreundin & @Onnetar for their help with this thread.

A link to the auction by #F95's ultras: united-we-stand.online

Sankt Depri: st-depri.de 15/15