'Silence gives stigma space to grow': People urged to have open conversations about mental health

Shine chief executive Nicola Byrne said: 'Ireland has made real progress in how we talk about mental health, but too many people still fear that seeking support, disclosing a mental illness or speaking honestly about their experiences will change how others see or treat them.' 

Employers are being urged to make a genuine drive to raise mental health awareness in workplaces to help make conversation around the topic more accessible.

Sean Blake, a Dubliner with lived experience of anorexia nervosa and bipolar type 2, makes the plea as the annual Green Ribbon campaign gets under way on Tuesday.

He is now an ambassador for Shine, which is calling on people, workplaces and communities across Ireland to use conversation as a practical way of challenging the stigma associated with mental illness.

Last year, a survey of 1,000 people with lived experience of mental health difficulties found 47% of respondents said stigma or embarrassment had stopped them engaging with treatment.

The Green Ribbon campaign launched on Tuesday is spearheaded by Shine and funded by the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention.

It aims to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.

The theme of this year’s campaign, 'Ireland in Conversation', encourages people to create opportunities for open, honest and respectful conversations about mental health in homes, workplaces, schools, colleges and communities.

Mr Blake said he had received enormous support from his own employer during his illness, adding: “My message would be to definitely have a genuine drive about mental health awareness in your organisations — and I mean get real people with lived experience in to talk in your workplace. 

"That makes a difference because when you hear someone’s real story, it can be very impactful I think.” 

He believes such a move would help people with mental illnesses identify their difficulties, while also combatting stigma.

He said stigma did still exist around mental health issues, adding: “For me, I wouldn’t have known much about bipolar but I would have had a stereotypical view of what it was. For me at the time, it was a shock [to be diagnosed with the condition]."

Shine is asking people to wear the Green Ribbon and to use it as a conversation starter.

Shine chief executive Nicola Byrne said: “Ireland has made real progress in how we talk about mental health, but too many people still fear that seeking support, disclosing a mental illness or speaking honestly about their experiences will change how others see or treat them. 

"Silence gives stigma space to grow. Conversations can be very powerful. One respectful conversation won’t solve every difficulty, but it can challenge an assumption, help someone feel heard and make it easier to seek support." 

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said stigma also remained a challenge for many people affected by mental illness.

He added: “Fear of judgement, misunderstanding or discrimination can still influence whether someone seeks support, speaks openly about their experiences or feels fully included in their community.”