Episode 4 of Where There’s A Will – Stigma

This episode turns the lens on ourselves: Because while the mental health system needs to be fixed, we have to look at our role in that as a society. We need to ask ourselves: do we have an epidemic of mental health problems in Ireland? How do we contribute to poor mental health through stigma, and through creating policies and planning for a society that doesn’t put people at the centre? And we need to ask, how do we collectively build communities and systems that catch people when they fall?

In this episode, we speak to Brian Higgins, CEO of Pieta House, Shari McDaid, CEO of Mental Health Reform, Dominic Laydon, CEO of Aware; and Leon tells his personal story of facing stigma within and outside of the system.

Please subscribe to Where There’s a Will wherever you get your podcasts, tell your friends about it, and share it far and wide. Also, we want to hear from you: have you had experiences with the system you’d like to share? Or have you ideas about how we can make things better, easier and faster for people to get help? Send us a short voice recording to editor@alustforlife.com or simply record a WhatsApp voice note, and text it to 0831190269.

This podcast is made possible with the kind support of our sponsor, Revive Active, and was recorded in Camden Recording Studios, with thanks to Jack Power.

Help information

If you need help please talk to friends, family, a GP, therapist or one of the free confidential helpline services. For a full list of national mental health services see yourmentalhealth.ie.

• Samaritans on their free confidential 24/7 helpline on 116-123, by emailing jo@samaritans.ie
• Pieta House National Suicide Helpline 1800 247 247 or email mary@pieta.ie – (suicide prevention, self-harm, bereavement) or text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply)
• Aware 1800 80 48 48 (depression, anxiety)

If living in Ireland you can find accredited therapists in your area here:

• iacp.ie
• iahip.org
• counsellingdirectory.ie