Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael TD, Alan Farrell has urged people to engage with mental health supports in the community if they are in need of help.
Deputy Farrell said, “All of our lives have turned upside down by the current Coronavirus pandemic, many people in our communities are feeling the effects of the consequences and restrictions that have stemmed from this crisis.”
“There are people who may be experiencing increased levels of anxiety as they worry about when all of this might come to an end and normality return to our daily lives. Others are experiencing the effects of loneliness that has been brought about by social isolation and some are sadly enduring significant stress as they have lost income or indeed their employment due to the impact on businesses.”
Deputy Farrell continued, “All of these issues can have a huge impact on our mental health and it underscores the importance for us all to pull together in a show of unity. The Government has launched the ‘In This Together’ campaign which offers a wide range of support an information for people on how to look after their mental health while we deal with these unusual and testing times. This includes information for all age groups on eating healthy, maintaining healthy thinking, dealing with stress and anxiety and coping at home and can be found at www.gov.ie/together .”
“Improving mental health services is something that I believe is the interest of every person in Ireland. Many people will, at some point, require some form of mental health support, they could be a neighbour, a friend, colleague or family member. It is important that people feel comfortable in seeking out the necessary supports if and when they need them.”
Deputy Farrell added, “The current circumstances prove that we are all in this together and that if we are to be successful in overcoming the challenges we face, we must succeed as one, helping each other is fundamental to this.”