Priest urges people to seek support for mental health

A LOCAL priest who has officiated at a number of recent funerals in which people have died in tragic circumstances is urging anyone with problems to ‘talk to someone’.

Fr Michael O’Dwyer, parish priest of Errigal Ciaran, made the call in the aftermath of a number of sudden deaths in the Mid-Tyrone area during the past six weeks.

He says human contact is crucial, particularly during the pandemic, and has pleaded for people to speak to someone – particularly if they are experiencing mental health issues.

“Physically being present to another person with speech, with eye contact and with touch just cannot be replaced,” he said.

“During the various lockdowns that we have had to endure – and we are not out of the woods yet – many of us had no human contact. The danger was, and still is, that we can get used to being alone.

“But that is not good for our mental health and wellbeing.”

In recent weeks the Public Health Agency also urged people to ‘Take Five Steps to Wellbeing’ during the winter. These include making time for family and friends, being active, pausing to take a moment to look around, keeping learning, and giving and accepting support.

Fr O’Dwyer echoed these sentiments.

He said, “The slogan, ‘It’s good to talk’, should be something we all strive for. It can be found in a friend or neighbour or family member who listens to our worries and concerns and helps by just being there and assuring us that we are not alone.”

Mid-Ulster councillor, Sharon McAleer, said the lockdowns had ‘exacerbated’ the mental health crisis. “Restrictions have contributed to increased feelings of isolation, loneliness and anxiety,” she said.

“Even now when out in shops, it’s difficult to engage in conversations with people when wearing a mask and they too are wearing a mask.

“It’s important to talk to someone, call the helplines, reach out for help. This is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength.

“There is a better way forward and with the right help and guidance and the right person to talk to, you will see things differently.”