Plaudits from Boston for Cusack’s braveness

I’m writing from the Irish Pastoral Centre (IPC) in Boston, MA where I am a social worker to the Irish community.

I wish to respond to the brilliantly brave and insightful blog, and subsequent Prime Time appearance by Conor Cusack.

We applaud Conor for taking this public step. His ability to sincerely articulate his struggle has struck a chord with thousands of viewers and readers. His Prime Time interview now being viewed across the US has received much positive commentary.

Here in Boston our tight knit Irish community has witnessed first hand the devastating and ravaging effects of suicide and depression. The trends we are seeing here in Boston are similar to those noted in Ireland, with young men being keenly affected. As we are all too aware, the stigma attached to suicide and mental illness is resulting in the needless loss of so many lives. Talk is a huge part of the solution — a message we are actively trying to spread here at the IPC. We all need to follow Conor’s lead and open this discussion.

Eileen O’Callaghan

Irish Pastoral Centre

15 Rita Road

Boston

USA