Culture & Society (June)

Mental Health

We, the Irish, are strong and resilient people but when it comes to acknowledging that we may have a mental health problem, so many of us cower in terror and end up suffering in silence.

At least one in four Irish people will suffer from depression at some point in their lives. On top of this, consider all of the people affected as a result of a partner, family member or friend suffering from depression. This is something we need to talk about without fear of judgement because in some way, we all have depression in common. 

 

See Change (www.seechange.ie) is an important programme working to change attitudes towards mental illness in Ireland. They encourage open and frank discussion about our personal mental health issues in an attempt to reduce and maybe one day obliterate the stigma attached to mental illness. By reducing the power of the stigma, they hope that many people will feel more    comfortable and seeking the help they need. 

The thing to remember about depression is that it is very manageable and treatable.  If you are suffering from depression, the most important step you can take is to talk to somebody you trust about how you are feeling. This is the difficult part for most of us, saying those first words of acknowledgement. 

If you don’t feel comfortable talking about it with friends or family, go to your GP.  They will give you instant reassurance that there are so many options available to you.  If you think a loved one may be suffering from depression, check out www.aware.ie for information and advice on how to support them.

Emma Martin