“Men are less likely to access mental health services than women and more needs to be done to address this issue” - Brady
Aontú South Down candidate Paul Brady stated:
“Our mental health is how we think, feel and act. It controls how we manage day-to-day life and stressful situations.
“1 in 5 people in the north will be affected by mental ill-health in their lifetime. The other 4 will know a friend, family member or colleague who will.
“One of the main barriers to seeking help for mental health problems is stigma. Stigma can significantly worsen someone’s mental health problems, defining them as someone with an illness rather than a person with a meaningful voice and contribution to make.
“Stigma should not be used as an acceptable excuse for not seeking help. Stigma is real but it can be overcome if we work together through identification, intervention and referral to targeted support.
“We all need to tackle stigma to create a lasting, positive change in people’s attitudes, especially in men, towards mental health and to better inform people on the facts.
“Aontú wants to access vital funding for mental health. We are living in times where people, young and old are living in a state of despair - they need somewhere and someone they can turn to for help.”
