The Kanchi Blog

Posted on

28th November 2011

in

Disability,Education

Certainly Christmas can be a very special, magical time of year. But the reality is, it can also be a very lonely, difficult, pressurised and desperate time for more people than we probably give credit for. This is probably never more apparent than in our current climate. Santa will still come but is probably spending his money more wisely which is no harm. I was sadden to hear of the Wales football Manager, Gary Speeds, sudden passing this morning as I’m sure many others were. Details of which are not fully apparent but my thoughts are with his family and relations.

Mental Health is a major issue and most people are acutely aware of it. Recently I read that 57percent of Irish farmers surveyed would not want others to know if they suffered from a mental health problem. While this maybe understandable it only breaths the issue further and does not help at all in addressing it. Ideally we need to create an environment where people feel respected, confident in order to approach and speak about any issue they may have. I was delighted to see Telefonica O2’s Think Big initiative with Headstrong. You know what they say, a problem shared is a problem halved and it does work. We all have our hurdles to conquer but we shouldn’t feel that we have to do it alone. Human nature is one of life’s blessings that we often don’t utilise enough, so please do talk to a friend, your family or even a stranger, you will be pleasantly surprise. Tomorrow is another day in our life’s journey, you’re not alone and we’re so glad you’re here.

Happy Christmas from Nicola of Kanchi 

GROW in Ireland
Ormonde Home, Barrack Street, Kilkenny
Office: 01-4549699
Helpline: 1890 474 474
Email: www.grow.ie
Website: info@grow.ie
Grow is a mental health organisation which helps people who have suffered, or are suffering, from mental health problems.

Suicide Helplines In Ireland and information from the Irish health Directory.com
Console
Dublin Living with Suicide
Console House
Telephone: 01 8685232
Helpline 1800 201 890

Providing support to those bereaved by suicide.

Samaritans
Telephone:1850 60 90 90
open 24hrs, 365 days

Life helpline: 1800 24 7 100 or text “HELP” to 51444 for one-to-one support.

HSE suicide prevention help line: 1800 742 745.