Covid-19 impacts on mental health but help is available
Brendan Murphy, Chairperson for Darkness Into Light Nenagh, which is a fundraising event for Pieta House, points out that you become more exposed and aware of the challenges we face in relation to mental health.
Pieta House provides a professional service to those who are in suicidal distress, those who engage in self harm and those bereaved by suicide. The service is absolutely free and is open to anyone who wishes to avail of it.
Brendan says: "Life presents us all with many challenges, some more difficult than others. But we all manage these challenges differently as each of our lives are unique. What might appear to be insignificant to one person might mean sleepless nights for another and that’s why we should never take things for granted.
"I got involved with helping Pieta for my own personal reasons as I feel there needs to be much more awareness raised and a clear message that people are not alone and that help is available in the strictest of confidence.
"Many of us will experience some form of low point at some stage in our lives. It might be due to financial reasons, health reasons, relationship breakdowns, or even bullying in the work place.
"One phrase that always sticks in my head is this "your current situation is not your final destination" and that by talking or taking control of a situation you can turn things around. However this is not always the case and there is no shame in asking for help.
"We have made huge inroads in recent years when it comes to talking about our mental health in Ireland which is a huge positive. But I feel, as technology has really taken over in recent years, it has knocked us back a step. Although there is much more awareness around mental health, people are talking and engaging less with each other face to face. Social media, although a wonderful tool, has created a world where people can put on a false front to the world with a happy profile when in reality they might be going through their own personal crisis. We are in an age where we know our friends' online profile more than we know the person themselves and this needs to change.
"Covid-19 has created a barrier which has reduced personal contact with our friends, family members and particularly those living on their own. Social isolation has always played a huge role in those seeking help from Pieta House and in the last 12 months this situation has worsened.
"I feel that people can still play a huge role in helping others who might be feeling depressed or perhaps going through a personal crisis by simply raising awareness that there is help available, and maybe checking in by ringing people for a chat as oppose to messaging. This has been a particularly difficult year for us all, but with vaccinations in sight 2021 holds much optimism."
THANKS
The Darkness Into Light committee would again like to thank everyone for your continued support. Pieta House is available 24/7 for those who might need their help at 1800 247247
Please keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates or log onto www.darknessintolight.ie