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.