30-year-old filmmaker, Michael Lee Aldridge from Athy, Co. Kildare, created a documentary about mental health. ‘You’re Not Alone’ documentary looks at how someone learns to deal with their mental health struggles. It tells the story of Niall Munnelly, a gym owner from Newbridge, who suffered with depression and anxiety and how he came to terms with finding his own path to happiness. In a very open and honest conversation, Niall describes what so many people are going through.
Michael explains why he created this short film; “I have always made films, from a very young age I have longed to tell stories through film. I have made a few short films and documentaries and in the last year or so I have dedicated all my creative time to writing and focusing on getting out as many short films as well as more documentaries. My last documentary premiered on Culture Night titles ‘Meeting Gordon’ it was about World War Two veteran Gordon Prime and his experiences during the war in Europe.”
“I also wrote and directed a short film for Athy Sing and Sign club that was released on Culture Night as well. I love crafting a story so people can have an emotional connection with it. I film, direct and produce all my own films as well as writing the music as I feel it gives me the ability to really shape the story. We premiered it at Niall’s gym, where over 100 people came to see it. We had professional councillors there on the night and started an almost two-hour-long discussion afterwards, the talk was moderated by Dr.Noel Kavanagh from Carlow College.”
“Niall is quite well known in the fitness industry in Ireland and approached me about trying to create something that would help break down the stigma of talking and sharing one’s own story with mental health. This documentary gives in insight into Niall Munnelly’s battle from being bullied as a child, to fighting depression and wanting to take his own life, to setting up a successful business.”
Some quotes from Niall regarding the film “This story is vulnerable and raw and hopefully it will connect with people out there. By opening up, it might give other people the motivation to do the same.” “By talking about mental health it has the power to reduce the stigma that’s out there.” “We can all struggle at different times in our lives. But we don’t have to struggle alone. There are people who want to help; please don’t hesitate to ask.”
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