An open heart and an open mind

With regard to the article, “Mental health ‘a stigma’ for youths seeking help” (Irish Examiner, Sep 10), Paul Gilligan said “the stigma which still attached to mental-health issues needed to be tackled, with a greater emphasis on the problem at school level”.

At the heart of stigma is fear, and fear we all have regarding our own vulnerabilities. Too often in life, we put things in ‘boxes’ and find simplistic solutions. But life is not simple.

It is often a struggle and we have great ways of coping and wearing masks. Unfortunately, for some people, the conflict between the outer persona and internal distress can be too much. People feel trapped and suicide might be considered as a way out.

We all need to open up a little more and expose our vulnerabilities.

We can help change a culture of hiding our problems.

Mental health organisations work with schools. I volunteer with the charity Positive Mental Health in Galway, which delivers mental health modules to transition year students. Issues include bullying, relationships, and peer pressure, to name just three.

Positive coping strategies are an integral part of each module.

A key factor in the debate on mental health is hope and the fact that people can recover, given the correct help. I will be talking at the Critical Voices Network Conference in Cork in November, telling my story of how I overcame manic depression and celebrated 20 years free of psychiatric medication last July.

The debate on mental health and suicide involves everyone and we can all play our part.

We are only on this planet for a short while, so let’s use that time for the greater good of everyone.

Thomas Roddy

Lower Salthill

Galway