GAA stars urge young men to open up

SOME of the GAA’s biggest stars have joined forces in an online campaign urging young men suffering from depression and other mental health issues to speak out about their personal crisis.

Football captains from Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim are set to appear on video messages available at youth support group www.SpunOut.ie to encourage young people suffering from mental health concerns to open up about their situation.

Former Donegal captain Neil Gallagher has joined current players Michael Murphy and Rory Cavanagh on the video messages, saying it is “vital that we talk to people when in need” who may be under pressure to succeed and hide their problems away.

They will be joined by their on-pitch rivals from Sligo and Leitrim, all of whom will join forces to help tackle Irish youth’s mental health concerns.

“Life isn’t always easy. There’s a lot of pressure to be happy and to succeed. Sometimes it gets us all down.

“The important thing to remember is that we can get through the tough times but it’s vital that we talk to people when in need,” explained ex-Donegal captain Neil Gallagher.

“Talking to a friend, an older brother or sister, a family friend, a GP or a confidential support service are all options.

“SpunOut.ie is a brilliant resource for when you need help or just want to find out information on some of the issues that affect us all, whether it be sex, relationships, drugs or alcohol.”

Emphasising the importance of the mental health video messages, SpunOut.ie project worker Ian Howley — who has battled back from depression — said it was vital the population in general and young men in particular felt they could speak openly about mental health issues such as depression.

“There is this perception that if you are seen to have problems or worries, that you are weak. This is not the case.

“Everyone goes through tough times at some stage in their lives and today we are encouraging young people and especially young males to speak up,” he said.

Since it was established under the dormant accounts funding scheme, the www.SpunOut.ie charity has helped countless young people across Ireland.

The group can be accessed at www.SpunOut.ie and a mobile phone number is available on the site at all times.

The website provides information on youth health, lifestyle and citizenship, including drugs, alcohol, sexual health, mental health, environment, work and education, and has won a series of mental health awards in recent years.