Go Green for mental health in Laois this September
See Change Green Ribbon and World Suicide Prevention Day campaign launched
A large number of organisations working in the mental health area at Laois County Council in Portlaoise to launch ‘Laois Goes Green’ in recognition of the See Change Green Ribbon campaign which is being rolled out across the country during the month of September.
The aim the campaign is to spread awareness about all mental health difficulties and to help end mental health stigma and discrimination.
The campaign organisers say data from research and previous campaigns advise that an estimated 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health difficulty in their lives meaning we may all be affected in some way. Stigma can act as a barrier to seeking support as people fear being labelled as mentally ill and this can lead to feelings of isolation and make the experience of mental health difficulties much worse. Research also advises that 4 in 10 people said they would conceal a mental health difficulty from family, friends or colleagues.
Nicola Byrne, CEO of See Change/SHINE. She spoke about the importance of the campaign this month.
“Mental health stigma remains a significant barrier to treatment and recovery for individuals and their families with mental illness. Stigma leads to discrimination, social exclusion, and a lack of support, exacerbating mental health problems. We are aware that it can even result in tragic outcomes, such as suicide. That is why the Green Ribbon Campaign, is such an important annual campaign.
“It is a pivotal opportunity for us to lead the way on stigma reduction around mental illness in Ireland. More than a campaign, it is a social movement that highlights our shared responsibility to destigmatise mental health and foster a more compassionate and supportive society. The green ribbon acts as a symbol of solidarity, encouraging us all to engage in open conversations and break down the barriers surrounding mental illness,” she said.
September 10 every year is World Suicide Prevention Day and this year the theme is ‘Change the Narrative’ which aims to raise awareness about the importance of encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides. By raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide and encouraging well informed action, we can all play our part in reducing suicide deaths around the world.
The organisers say we can do this by starting the conversation and checking in on those we may be concerned about.
Ms Byrne added: “ Let’s help shift away from a culture of silence and lack of understanding to one of openness, empathy and support by engaging in open and honest discussions about suicide and suicidal behaviour. We can also encourage understanding by acknowledging that suicidal thoughts and feelings are a sign of immense pain and distress but talking about them does not increase their presence or occurrence. It is also important to listen without judgment, offer support, and guide individuals towards help by familiarising ourselves with the services that are there to provide support to whomever may need it.
“In this time, it is also important to acknowledge those who have been bereaved through suicide and be sensitive and compassionate to their feelings,” she said.
Josephine Rigney, Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention HSE Midlands, spoke about the campaign,
"The theme of ‘changing the narrative’ encourages us all to be more proactive in being there for those whom we may be concerned about; to be the one who will encourage them to reach out for appropriate and life sustaining support. This skill and confidence can be gained by engaging in a newly developed suicide prevention programme. Produced by the National Office for Suicide Prevention, this free online programme, which takes about 60 mins to complete,” she said.
This is available at www.traininghub.nosp.ie
Ms Rigney said it uses a mix of guided online content, video and interactive questions. It can be worked through at one’s own pace and awards a Certificate on completion.
Ms Rigney added that World Suicide Prevention Day also reminds us of the importance of minding our own mental health and wellbeing and of the availability of local and national services if we should need to reach out for support.
She said information on support services are available www.connectingforlifemidlands.ie
During September, the organisers hope Laois people will support the Green Ribbon campaign by wearing a Green Ribbon, which will be available in public areas. They can also help by start a conversation with colleagues, friends or family about mental health.
Green Ribbons to promote and support the event can be ordered on: www.seechange.ie/green-ribbon/