Many still full of fear for future

CHRISTMAS is supposed to be a time of happiness and good tidings yet the festive season will fill many with dread.

While the Government might boast of a booming country and full employment, there are tens of thousands of families who remain in financial dire straits.

The worst recession in the State’s history did not only destroy the economy but has taken its toll on the mental health of the nation.

The banks have caused a huge amount of social devastation and their actions have no doubt led to the loss of life.

Courageous Eddie West’s powerful statement will strike a chord with many people who have found themselves in similar situations.

His account of how he emerged from the darkness is a message of hope to those suffering and rightly points out that help can be found.

Male suicide has become a modern scourge of Irish society and there can be little doubt the collapse of the economy has been a major factor driving the loss of life.

Despite the recovery, tens of thousands of families are under severe pressure after their mortgages were sold off to vulture funds.

The ever-present threat of eviction will undoubtedly lead to increased mental distress and some will believe they can’t face the future.

But if they follow Eddie West’s example and reach out for help, circumstances will change as they did for him.