Everybody Hurts

"When your day is long and the night, the night is yours alone, when you're sure you've had enough of this life, well hang on. Don't let yourself go, 'cause eveybody cries and eveybody hurts sometimes"

Michael Stipe, R.E.M

Myths & Facts about Mental Health

There are a number of myths and misconceptions surrounding mental health issues. These myths and misconceptions contribute to the stigma surrounding mental health problems. By challenging these myths, we can help reduce the fear and lack of understanding of mental health issues.

“You don’t get better from mental illness or depression”
False: Most people who suffer from a mental illness completely recover

“Mental illness means you’re crazy”

False: The most “normal” people can have breakdowns or suffer from depression. It can be you, a parent, your boss or girlfriend. We don’t think of people with a flu or any other illness as crazy so why do we see people with a mental illness as crazy.

“Mental illness is rare and not normal”
False: Mental illness is very common. The problem is we don’t speak about it. 1 in 4 of us suffers from depression at some point in our lives. 1 in 10 teens experience serious depression.


“Depressed People are just lazy or weak-willed”
False: One of the symptoms of depression is exhaustion or inability to concentrate. When someone is treated for their depression, they can regain their energy and enthusiasm for life.

Mental Health

Here are some tips on how to mind your mental health:

• Accept yourself: We are all different and nobody is perfect. Everyone has something to offer so don’t be too hard on yourself.
• Get involved:  Meeting people and getting involved in new things will make you feel better.
• Keep active: Regular exercise can really help to give your mental health a boost. It can help you feel more positive.
• Eat healthily: Eating a balanced diet will not only help the way you feel, but it will also help the way you think.
• Stay in touch with friends: You don’t have to be “strong” and struggle on alone. Friends are important in tough times.
• Relax: Make time to relax.
• Do something creative: All kinds of creative things can help when you are anxious or low e.g cookery, gardening.
• Don’t binge drink: Drinking alcohol to deal with problems will only make things worse.
• Talk about it: Many of us can feel isolated and overwhelmed by problems sometimes. Talking about how you feel will help.
• Ask for help: Don’t be embarrassed about getting help for your mental health. Everyone needs help from time to time and in fact, asking for help shows a sign of personal strength.

Changes in the Role of Men in Modern Society.

The rate of suicide among men in Ireland increased dramatically in the 1990's and it remains at four times the rate of suicide among women. It is difficult to determine why this is the case, we can only speculate on the reasons why.

One possible reason is the change in the role of men and women in society. Women have become more independent minded, more financially independent as they develop their own careers and have a greater sexual and biological sense of freedom than in the past. As a result, the traditional role and image of the man is changing and young men may be very unsure of their role in modern society.

The late Professor Anthony Clarke referred to "masculinity in crisis" in his book 'On Men:Masculinity in Crisis'. I am going to quote some of his work in relation to this issue.

".. I learned very early on what a man does; his work is as important as, even more important than, who he is; that a man is defined in modern capitalistic society in terms of being not doing"

The role of provider is under siege and now the role of father is threatened. The rise in the number of single mothers suggests not merely that men are inadequate as partners and fathers but that they are simply redundant. Women are asserting that they can conceive and rear children on their own. These days, the don't even need men to father children with the development of assisted reproduction such as IVF, surrogacy etc..

The apparent lack of need for men to be providers and fathers begs the question, "What is the role of the man in society?"

Do you think the change in the role of men in modern society is a factor in the high level of male suicides?

Give "LUV" this Christmas and help prevent Suicide

For all of you "The apprentice" buffs, you will be aware that team Platinum won an Apprentice challenge set by SPAR to create a Christmas themed product that would be sold in 470 SPAR stores nationwide, with all proceeds going to the SPAR charity of the year, the 3Ts. The team developed the “Luv Bear”, allowing people around Ireland to communicate their feelings for one another and demonstrate their “love” by way of giving a gift of a “Luv Bear” and at the same time supporting the 3Ts – turn the tide of suicide.


All monies from the product will go towards the new 24 hour suicide prevention line “1life”, a joint venture between The 3ts and Console. 1life is a 24-hour suicide prevention helpline for anyone in suicidal distress. Professional counsellors and volunteers respond to calls seven days a week to support callers in need of help.
 
The  "Luv Bear" is now available in all Spar and Spar Express stores nationwide for just €2.99.
 
So go on and pick up a "Luv Bear" today and share the love!

Some Events coming up

The annual Console Christmas Celebration of Light for those bereaved through Suicide takes place:

When: Sunday 29th of November 2009 at 4pm
Where: St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, Co.Kildare

You are welcome to join Console for a special evening of song, music, poetry and reflection. This evening includes the lighting of candles and a minute silence in the presence of others to commemorate the lives lost.
 
Entry is free , although places are limited.
If you wish to attend, please contact Console directly on 01-6102638 or e-mail paul@console.ie


Pieta House Annual Carol Services will be held on the following dates:

• Leixlip Parish of Our Lady’s Nativity at 8pm Thursday 10th December 2009

• Lucan St Mary’s Parish Church at 7.30pm Thursday 17th December 2009

Refreshments will be served following the services in the local parish centres.

For more information on the Pieta House Carol Services, please contact Pieta House directly:

•  Mario Peelo for Pieta House mob: 086-8393437 or e-mail: mariep@marchmont.com

For the first time, Pieta House will be selling their own Christmas cards to raise funds for their vital work. Check out your local shop and pharmacies or contact Pieta House (01) 6010000