May is Mental Health Month and every year Mental Health Ireland supports the See Change’s Green Ribbon Campaign.  The international symbol for mental health awareness, the green ribbon campaign promotes positive mental health along with initiatives and supports.  There are numerous events taking place around the country with the main focus on the Talk & Walk initiative which in partnership with the IFA, Coilte, SeeChange and Mental Health Ireland are organised walks encouraging people to take a break go for a walk and talk!

A list of walks and events available here.

We all go through difficult episodes throughout our lives, and we all have different ways of dealing with the emotions and feelings associated with those events. Many people live with a mental health illness that is kept hidden for fear of stigma or discrimination. Recent campaigns including this months Green Ribbon are trying to change how we view mental health and encourage people to seek help. We have no issue with getting regular check ups at the dentist and doctor.  Mental health should be no different, we need to keep it checked too.

Often it’s the little things that can have an enormous impact.  Here are some little reminders to help in times of need.

You can order printed poster and postcard packs at HealthPromotion.ie.  Having posters displayed in the workplace promoting awareness will encourage employees to be more open and share their issues with you if there is a culture of openness and honesty.

 Ingrid O’Sullivan, Operations Manager, Voltedge Management