Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Derry Girl’s a leading light in suicide fight
Star Jamie-lee says it’s good to talk
LOSING a loved one unexpectedly left Derry Girls star Jamie-lee O’donnell struggling to cope.
But by opening up and speaking to others, the actress realised she was not alone.
The 26-year-old, who plays Michelle Mallon in the hit show, believes people need to be more open about their mental health.
She was joined by Q Radio’s Stephen Clements and GAA legend Oisin Mcconville to help launch the Darkness Into Light campaign. Organised by Pieta House and supported by Electric Ireland, it aims to raise vital funds for suicide prevention, bereavement and self-harm.
Jamie-lee told the Mirror: “The suicide rate in Derry is alarming. Everyone knows someone who has been affected. “When this came up, it was definitely something I wanted to get involved in. There was a time a few years back I lost someone quite close to me and it was extremely unexpected and I think your mental health suffers when things like that happen.
“There’s quite a lot of people I am close to that have suffered with ill mental health. It needs to be talked about more and the awareness needs to be raised.
“Darkness Into Light is a great example of people who can help.
“Personally I think it is about starting more with younger people, allowing the younger generation to grow up with mental health awareness, good or bad.” And talking about Derry Girls, Jamie-lee admitted it would be great to address the issue in the next series. However, she added it wasn’t talked about as much in the 90s, when the show is set.
Encouraging people to register for this year’s Darkness Into Light, the Derry native said: “It’s a 5k walk. Get a couple of mates involved, family members, get a coffee and go and raise awareness.”
Visit www.darknessintolight.ie to register for Wake Up And Walk events at various venues on Saturday, May 12.