Jim Mc Guinness, Manager of the Donegal team has lent his support to ‘World Suicide Prevention Day’.
He said: “World suicide prevention day is very important to Irish people in generating awareness of good mental health.
“Positive mental health is a goal everyone should work towards. If you feel depressed or down, don’t suffer in silence. Help is available.”
According to Kevin Mills, Donegal Mental Health Service, “We need to get the message out there across all ages that asking for help is a sign of strength and not of weakness. Like most things the sooner you get help the quicker you will recover.”
Common signs of depression include;
▪ feeling sad and a low mood that doesn’t go away;
▪ loss of enjoyment and interest in activities that used to be enjoyable; and
▪ tiredness and lack of energy.
If you are experiencing at least two of the above symptoms for at least two weeks you may be suffering from depression. In which case, you should see your GP as soon as possible.
Keeping physically active, staying in touch with family and friends and doing anything that gives you a sense of achievement will help you recover from depression.
If you have been inactive for a while or unsure of how to get started, then support is available through the Green Prescription community walking programme which according to Ann Marie Crosse, HSE Health Promotion, “Is an easy and enjoyable way of becoming more active and helping you to feel more confident, happy and relaxed in the outdoors.”
Information on depression and support is available from the AWARE helpline at 1890 303 302.
