Hey Guys, hope you are all well! it's been so long since the last blog! HOWEVER!! It's nearly summer and it's going to be such a fun summer of blogging, snapchatting and having so much fun with you all!
Today's blog is going to be a little more serious that usual. Since the debate in the Dáil about mental, health (you probably saw the OUTRAGEOUS photo on our facebook page) the whole country has been talking about this very important issue. Everyone at some stage of their lives will battle with their own mental health. There is such a stigma around it that people are too afraid to get help and speak up. YOU ARE NOT ALONE - I PROMISE...
Here are some statistics...
- 1 in 4 people are affected by a mental health condition
- 50% of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by the age of 14 and 75% by the age of 24
- Approx 50% of students age 14 and older with a mental illness drop out of school
- Statistics from the HSE show tell that in 2015, 86% of Irish Adults rate their own quality of life as very good, but this falls 64% among those who have personal experience of poor mental health.
The Message? YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Many people will not understand what you're going through, but people are more than happy to listen.
When researching for this blog, I read a Quote on the HSE Website..
''If mental Health becomes more of an everyday issue, that matters to us all, then the stigma attached to getting help can be reduced. While Irish society will continue to experience considerable change and face new challenges ahead, a mentally healthier Irish society will be much better able to cope''
I wouldn't have thought much about this quote until I saw that THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH didn't even turn up to his own debate. Now that is bad.
What can you do if you are battling with your own mental health?
- Talk to someone- It doesn't matter who as long as you feel comfortable speaking to them. Whether it be a friend, a family member or a stranger, getting it off your chest is the first step.
Here are some people you can talk to..
- Samaritans: Telephone: 116 123 Email: jo@samaritans.org
- Console's Suicide prevention: Telephone: 1800 247 247
- Aware: Telephone: 1890 302 302 Email: supportmail@aware.ie
2. Do some exercise. Whether it be a walk or a jog- 30 minutes a day will clear your head and make you feel so refreshed.
3. Retail Therapy. Our favourite. Just meet up with some friends, go for coffee, buy that dress that makes you feel like a Queen!
4. Find out what the source of your sadness is. Once you find it - get it out of your life, it's the last thing you need.
If this blog even helps one person who reads it today- it will be worth it. As you know if you follow us on Facebook (Here) you will know that here at Sunflowers and Sparkles we are all about positivity.. so if you ever want a chat.. you know where we are.
Sorry about the long blog- It HAD to be done.
Stay Sparkling,
Tess and Edel x
