“Men are less likely to access mental health services than women and more needs to be done to address this issue”

“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.”

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.