I get people whispering in my ear ‘Well done, you helped me’ and it’s heartening
Rugby star on tackling depression Why mental health is wealth
Alan Quinlan talks about his mental health battle kind of whisper in my ear and say, ‘Well done you’ve helped me’ or ‘I got some encouragement’ or it gave me the confidence to make some change.
“It’s heartening to hear that people have taken something positive out of it.
“I didn’t decide to speak about mental health for any kind of self-gaining reason but it’s nice to hear that people who are struggling can take some confidence or some belief in fixing themselves.”
His talk on March 27 will be presented by journalist and Leitrim Person of the Year Paul Williams at the Bush Hotel in COLLEAGUES Hubert Mchugh and Valerie Cogan organised the Leitrim Health is Wealth conference to raise awareness of the important issue.
Valerie explained: “We started Leitrim’s Health three years ago with the hope of starting a conversation about mental health issues and trying to reduce the stigma surrounding it. We’re Carrick-on-shannon. Leitrim Health is Wealth hopes to destigmatise mental health issues across the country and spread the message that “it’s OK not to be OK and it’s OK to look for help”.
Alan said he hopes his own openness will encourage other men to seek guidance.
He explained: “It can be confusing to figure all that stuff out so I think getting help and advice and having the confidence to go and delighted that this initiative has taken off and that the message, ‘It’s OK not to be OK’ is filtering out to the people.”
Hubert added: “We live in a world where we can communicate with one another like never before. However, as far as I’m concerned there is nothing to beat the physical contact of a face-toface conversation.” speak to someone makes a huge difference. I think it’s having a bit more openness around mental health and it’s gradually breaking down the stigma and it’s creating more empathy.” He also believes sporting organisations play a vital role in educating children and young people on the issue. Alan said: “I think sport has been the shining light in mental health because there is that perception that successful sports people are strong and resilient. “But I think having these sports people and organisations spending money, resources and time on trying to educate young kids and their members about the importance of looking after mental health is a very positive thing.”
news@irishmirror.ie Alan Quinlan in action