This is an issue that I feel pretty strongly about and can say has impacted my life over the last few years.I think it is time we all collectively as a community try and make a difference to what is happening in Northern Ireland due to Depression ,Anxiety and Suicide.

When it comes down to my own experiences;

I didn't know what to do nor who to speak to as I thought admitting to have a problem made me weak and less of a man because society portrays that as men we have to be tough and have some sort of persona. I personally have had a few scary moments through my journey as I delved into unhealthy short term coping methods, which were a temporary fix but also detrimental to my health. 

Although my journey is still ongoing I have chosen to get help as there are a lot of options available within our community to help people through these though times. Men particularly do not speak or communicate about how they are feeling due to the stigma attached to the issue of showing weakness or a failing of masculinity therefore people are ashamed to ask for help

A simple chat between friends or a loved one has such an impact, believe me. It is the first step and quite possibly one of the hardest steps but it only gets easier from there. It sounds very cliche but a problem shared is a problem halved and some of the problems we have built so high within ourselves can be solved with just a little help sometimes.

Depression and suicide have now become an epidemic in this country which each and every one of us having been affected by it in one way or another whether it be personally or through a friend or a loved one.

The overall suicide rate in Northern Ireland is currently three times the rate of road deaths in this country.Prevalence of mental illness in Northern Ireland is 25% higher than in the UK mainland but with 30% less funding. Another shocking statistic is that 20% of young people are suffering with significant mental health problems by their 18th Birthday.

There are various charity groups within our community who rely on funding whilst being vital to help combat what has and is still happening throughout our communities. 

I will be running a few events and give aways over the next few months to raise funds with the help of local artists in the area. So if you could donate to these worthy and well needed charities, whether it be small or big I would be very grateful, they definitely need it more than ever during these unprecedented times.

Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read this and if there is anyone struggling currently please get in contact with me personally.

 Chris :)