"You can get through
the tough times"
FORMER Donegal GAA football captain Neil Gallagher
has urged young people to speak out about their
problems when life gets them down.
The Donegal team has joined forces with national
youth organisation SpunOut.ie in a local campaign as
part of World Mental Heath Day this Friday, October
10.
Neil Gallagher was joined by fellow Donegal players
Michael Murphy and Rory Cavanagh to encourage young
people, and in particular young males, not to bottle
up their problems.
"Life isn't always easy. There's a lot of pressure
to be happy and to succeed. Sometimes it gets us all
down," said Neil.
"The important thing to remember is that we can get
through the tough times but it's vital that we talk
to people when in need. Talking to a friend, an
older brother or sister, a family friend, a GP or a
confidential support service are all options."
He also praised the work of SpunOut.ie. "SpunOut.ie
is a brilliant resource for when you need help or
just want to find out information on some of the
issues that affect us all, whether it be sex,
relationships, drugs or alcohol."
Neil, Michael and Rory all feature in a
specially-produced short video on SpunOut.ie talking
about mental health and wellbeing.
SpunOut.ie project worker Ian Howley said the
overall project was being funded through the Dormant
Accounts.Twenty-four year old Ian, who suffered
depression and attempted suicide in his teens,
explained the collaboration with the Donegal GAA
team.
"A partnership with the Donegal GAA was specifically
set up to target young men who find it hard to talk
about their problems. There is this perception that
if you are seen to have problems or worries, that
you are weak.
"This is not the case. Everyone goes through tough
times at some stage in their lives and today we are
encouraging young people and especially young males
to speak up. We want young people to use SpunOut.ie
as a tool to do this and to encourage them to do it
in their day to day lives."
SpunOut.ie can be accessed on the internet and
mobile phones, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Find out more at
www.SpunOut.ie . |
