Just be there to listen to others: Talk about mental health

Meath TD, Helen McEntee, Minister for Mental Health, has launched 'Green Ribbon',  a campaign by See Change, the National Stigma Reduction Partnership and 90 other partner organisations.

The month long national Green Ribbon Campaign is to get people talking openly about mental health problems this May 2017, and Minister McEntee has urged people in Meath to play their part and start a conversation.

On Friday, 12th May Minister McEntee will be distributing Green Ribbons around Meath East. More than 500,000 green ribbons will be distributed nationwide free of charge during May to spark a national conversation about mental health around kitchen tables and many other venues throughout Ireland. The aim is to make the month of May every year synonymous with promoting open conversation of mental health and challenging the stigma of mental health problems.

Some important tips from the Green Ribbon campaign for minding your own mental health, and that of your friends and family include:

- Talk, but listen too: Simply being there will mean a lot.

- Take your lead from the person: As a first step, ask them how best
you can help.

- Avoid the clichés: Phrases like ‘Cheer up’, ‘I’m sure it’ll pass’ and ‘Pull yourself together’ definitely won’t help - Being open minded, non-judgemental and listening will.

- Keep in touch: There are lots of small ways of showing support - Send a text or just ask someone how they are doing.

- Don’t just talk about mental health: Just be yourself, chat about
everyday things as well.