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Mental Health Awareness Day

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

I think we've become more aware about mental health over a few short years. Social media, charity groups and the government have really pushed the message that it's ok not to be ok. There seems to be a lot on offer 're advice and giving information on where to get help when we struggle.

I don't think our services can handle this problem and like many other services it's underfunded and the reality is it's just not there in too many cases.

I've lost 3 male friends to suicide in 12 months, the youngest a teen, the oldest mid 40's.

What positive skills do you use to help yourself with keeping on top of thing's?

Do you feel more empathy now of people's mental health struggles and do you look out for signs when it comes to your own friends, family and work colleagues?

Does your work place do enough when these health problems are brought to their attention?

It's good to talk. x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

The 3 skills would have to be

1. The gym - great place to clear the mind and have some “you time”

2. Listen to your friends - you never know what you might pick up on

3. Don’t be afraid to talk - who knew Bob Hoskins held the secret so many years ago in those BT Ads

And yea it’s sad to see the system failing those that need it most but we have taken huge steps forward in comparison to years ago

Just don’t suffer in silence, there’s people to talk to, just be willing to make that first step and tell someone, there is NOTHING to fear in asking for a little hand to make things easier for you

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By *haggyherhimCouple
over a year ago

Longford

Thanks for highlighting it’s not exactly what I was expecting when I dipped into the forums this morning..

Not everyone has “a good friend” I mean a real friend that they can share anything with and be safe in the knowledge that it’ll stay confidential but if you do that friend can be a life saver by just listening.. it’s true a problem shared is a problem halved..

Being that friend is the best gift you can give..

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By *unnyfookMan
over a year ago

Naas

I have a list in my van to test my thaughts, it helps me break down the problems that can turn big quickly. A councilor gave it to me. it works, but the best thing is talking to someone

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

When I am going through a tough time of feeling realy down I just try to remind myself that this will pass,and to just wait it out. And it alway's does although I know other's are not so lucky.Councelling does help.After seeing way too many people I knew lose their life's to suicide I am very aware of some of the sign's to watch out for, especially with the male's in my family as men find it harder to admit they are struggling.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I think we have become great at talking about and being aware of "mental health" as a concept.

Everyone is all for people talking more and being supportive.

But I think we still have a long way to go to actually being aware of looking after our own mental health in reality.

The conversations are easy at a national level but still a little stunted when it comes to spealing 121 to other people.

The stock response to how are you is still ah sure grand for too many of us I feel.

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By *appytoadsCouple
over a year ago

West Dublin

Took the mental health first aid course earlier this year, one thing that I took out if it was trying to connect more with people, saying hi to someone sitting beside me on bus train or luas, amazing the stories you share, with social media now so prevalent not everyone talks to other people. And chatting helps with your mental health.

You might be the only person they chat to in a while.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My whole family was torn apart by mental health issues. I struggled to get help for my husband when he couldn't face up to the fact he was bipolar. It nearly broke me trying to get him the help he needed. It was soul destroying begging for a bed in the phcyciatric ward when he attempted to take his life but they had no beds he was discharged to my care.

In the end I was forced to start a new life with the kids when he left us homeless one Christmas Eve when he destroyed our home during a manic episode. I couldn't let my kids live in a house with no running water or heat. I had to make the hard decision to protect my mental health alongside my kids.

I was I lucky I had the support of my family to help me move from Galway to Kildare in the dead of night with no possessions to start a new life. Some people aren't that lucky.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I still working on myself but there is list of daily habits I'm building and they help me alot.

One of my work is making stress not helping with it. Other is lifting me up fully.

Helping others helps me heal and feel better myself.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Talk! Talk! Talk! Its the most vital tool in mental health. Reach out to someone.

Eg someone on here who you would chat to but doesnt know your situation and wouldnt "take sides". Just reading the words on the screen could be enough to flick the switch!

Make a difference to someones day even if its your own!

World is a fickle place especially social media. Dont be on your own back about things. Things can always get better

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By *r AmbassadorMan
over a year ago

Dublin


"I still working on myself but there is list of daily habits I'm building and they help me alot.

One of my work is making stress not helping with it. Other is lifting me up fully.

Helping others helps me heal and feel better myself.

"

We have all just been handed Street balls as we walked into the canteen, had no idea it was WMHD otherwise

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By *ouble Trouble 1000Couple
over a year ago

ireland


"My whole family was torn apart by mental health issues. I struggled to get help for my husband when he couldn't face up to the fact he was bipolar. It nearly broke me trying to get him the help he needed. It was soul destroying begging for a bed in the phcyciatric ward when he attempted to take his life but they had no beds he was discharged to my care.

In the end I was forced to start a new life with the kids when he left us homeless one Christmas Eve when he destroyed our home during a manic episode. I couldn't let my kids live in a house with no running water or heat. I had to make the hard decision to protect my mental health alongside my kids.

I was I lucky I had the support of my family to help me move from Galway to Kildare in the dead of night with no possessions to start a new life. Some people aren't that lucky."

Fair play to you Rosy,that couldn't have been easy but sometimes you just gotta put yourself first regardless especially if there are kids involved .

Most of us all suffer to some extent but i really feel for those who are dealing with it daily .

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By *unnyfookMan
over a year ago

Naas

latley I've started asking people how are you today? a simpke question that could change someones mood

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By *Sparkie.Man
over a year ago

Ratoath

For myself, I go to the Gym, I run and I organise a meet here and there with a regular, it takes my mind of the real world and the issues there. I have lost two good friends to suicide and I understand depression from listening to them.

For my employees I regularly meet them on a one to one basis, if I feel any of them are under pressure in what they are doing I set them a different task and give them a break from what they are at, I regularly rotate roles so nobody gets fed up doing the same thing continuously, I take them to lunch on random days and every now and then they get a wee reward, be it a bonus, a night away or sent home early on a Friday.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"For myself, I go to the Gym, I run and I organise a meet here and there with a regular, it takes my mind of the real world and the issues there. I have lost two good friends to suicide and I understand depression from listening to them.

For my employees I regularly meet them on a one to one basis, if I feel any of them are under pressure in what they are doing I set them a different task and give them a break from what they are at, I regularly rotate roles so nobody gets fed up doing the same thing continuously, I take them to lunch on random days and every now and then they get a wee reward, be it a bonus, a night away or sent home early on a Friday."

Can I go work for you?

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By *ontbesillywrapyourwillyMan
over a year ago

Tipperary

In this day and age were alot more aware of mental health, alot more support lines out there to talk 2 but suicides are becoming out of hand. There is not enough mental health facilities in a hospital format. I would be confident enough in saying if something was bothering alot of men in particular, they won't speak about it or try get help. The problem will be kept bottled up. It's a serious serious issue and one that's hard to deal with. A person could look and act fine but be suffering enormously inside and see no way out.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

The things that help me are taking time to be alone regularly, not saying yes to things I don't wanna do, going to therapy every week, and meditating every day.

I think these little self care tools look very different for everyone. The key is finding what works for you, and making a commitment to yourself that you'll prioritise them.

I'm spent time on antidepressants and in Ed therapy so I understand why it's hard for people to face up to a mental illness and get help. But I think you're right OP - we're not where we need to be, but we're getting there.

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By *ohnsmithMan
over a year ago

South Tipperary

Well done op...

To all have added in here. Help is there fokes.

A ear is a helping hand also..

Anyone want to be listen to...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

If anyone ever wants to vent to a stranger let me know, message me. Hell setup a new account and message if you don't want it linked to your profile.

Just talk to someone.

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By *avidc2019Man
over a year ago

dublin

Fair play op it’s great to be open and have someone to talk to about mental health issues,I’m a very good listener always to to help

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By *evil_u_knowMan
over a year ago

city

Here we go, women going to tell us what is hard for mens mental health. But a man cant even mention their reproductive system.

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By *Sparkie.Man
over a year ago

Ratoath


"For myself, I go to the Gym, I run and I organise a meet here and there with a regular, it takes my mind of the real world and the issues there. I have lost two good friends to suicide and I understand depression from listening to them.

For my employees I regularly meet them on a one to one basis, if I feel any of them are under pressure in what they are doing I set them a different task and give them a break from what they are at, I regularly rotate roles so nobody gets fed up doing the same thing continuously, I take them to lunch on random days and every now and then they get a wee reward, be it a bonus, a night away or sent home early on a Friday.

Can I go work for you? "

Hells.Belle I have a position in mind for you, theres a few positions actually, mainly night work

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By *hocko87Man
over a year ago

dublin

Im helping this young lady and she has mentle health issues but since i took her on she is a 100% better .

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Im helping this young lady and she has mentle health issues but since i took her on she is a 100% better . "

In a professinal setting?

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"The things that help me are taking time to be alone regularly, not saying yes to things I don't wanna do, going to therapy every week, and meditating every day.

I think these little self care tools look very different for everyone. The key is finding what works for you, and making a commitment to yourself that you'll prioritise them.

I'm spent time on antidepressants and in Ed therapy so I understand why it's hard for people to face up to a mental illness and get help. But I think you're right OP - we're not where we need to be, but we're getting there. "

Self care is very important and as you say that can be a different route for everyone. Physical exercise seems to be up there with what is helping people but as you say it can be of benefit to be alone too, to meditate, read, walk or whatever.

It may be that we need to ask and seek professional help. It's recognizing our needs, so we don't feel so stretched. I really like what you said about how using the word no can be a great thing. I think we can all be guilty of saying yes to everything and taking on too much. Something eventually is gonna give.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I have found that looking after your mental health every day, such as self care, exercise, mindfulness, social media breaks, help to keep me in a good place and better able to manage life stresses. I'm not saying I don't still have "those days or weeks" but I am able to manage them in a better way.

Mental health is so widely spoken of now but suicide rates are through the roof and our services can't cope unfortunately. We need to start teaching children about mental health and minding their minds and this should be done regularly in schools and at home. The pressures in society are only increasing and I fear for the next generation and not having the valuable skills to cope.

It is very frustrating to be put on a waiting list for pieta house or for an appointment to be assessed with a mh worker but that is our reality unfortunately. The crisis line I volunteer with are inundated with distressed texters 24/7 but for every text we receive I feel it could be another life saved, so find your someone.... A friend, family member, work colleague or someone anonymous on the end of a phone because everyone deserves someone to listen to them!

Mrs xx

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By *r zipsMan
over a year ago

City centre


"I have found that looking after your mental health every day, such as self care, exercise, mindfulness, social media breaks, help to keep me in a good place and better able to manage life stresses. I'm not saying I don't still have "those days or weeks" but I am able to manage them in a better way.

Mental health is so widely spoken of now but suicide rates are through the roof and our services can't cope unfortunately. We need to start teaching children about mental health and minding their minds and this should be done regularly in schools and at home. The pressures in society are only increasing and I fear for the next generation and not having the valuable skills to cope.

It is very frustrating to be put on a waiting list for pieta house or for an appointment to be assessed with a mh worker but that is our reality unfortunately. The crisis line I volunteer with are inundated with distressed texters 24/7 but for every text we receive I feel it could be another life saved, so find your someone.... A friend, family member, work colleague or someone anonymous on the end of a phone because everyone deserves someone to listen to them!

Mrs xx"

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Think often, and wrongly, self care is nearly frowned upon as everyone is on about helping others, but we can't help anyone if you're not looking after yourself. The whole water and jug analogy, can't pour from an empty jug.

I try and go for walks, sometimes alone, sometimes with someone. Getting into taking photos more and now getting into writing stories. Try the gym and playing sports helps me alot.

Always have someone to talk to. As suggested, if anyone needs a vent or someone to chat to message away.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"Think often, and wrongly, self care is nearly frowned upon as everyone is on about helping others, but we can't help anyone if you're not looking after yourself. The whole water and jug analogy, can't pour from an empty jug.

I try and go for walks, sometimes alone, sometimes with someone. Getting into taking photos more and now getting into writing stories. Try the gym and playing sports helps me alot.

Always have someone to talk to. As suggested, if anyone needs a vent or someone to chat to message away. "

I love writing too, not to share but it's something that gives me so much enjoyment and it really calms and clears my mind. It's great therapy.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Think often, and wrongly, self care is nearly frowned upon as everyone is on about helping others, but we can't help anyone if you're not looking after yourself. The whole water and jug analogy, can't pour from an empty jug.

I try and go for walks, sometimes alone, sometimes with someone. Getting into taking photos more and now getting into writing stories. Try the gym and playing sports helps me alot.

Always have someone to talk to. As suggested, if anyone needs a vent or someone to chat to message away.

I love writing too, not to share but it's something that gives me so much enjoyment and it really calms and clears my mind. It's great therapy. "

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

[Removed by poster at 10/10/19 17:50:40]

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I suffer. thing I learnt is accepting it makes it a lot less powerful for me. Trying to push it to one side just made it a whole lot worse for me xx god bless everyone with mental health cause I know how hard it can be. Things will get better xxxx hugs

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