Mayo Mental Health Association Blog

World Mental Health Day 2018

10/4/2018

YOUNG PEOPLE AND MENTAL HEALTH IN A CHANGING WORLD

Adolescence and the early years of adulthood are a time of life when many changes occur, for example changing schools, leaving home, and starting university or a new job. For many, these are exciting times. They can also be times of stress and apprehension however. In some cases, if not recognized and managed, these feelings can lead to mental illness. The expanding use of online technologies, while undoubtedly bringing many benefits, can also bring additional pressures, as connectivity to virtual networks at any time of the day and night grows. Many adolescents are also living in areas affected by humanitarian emergencies such as conflicts, natural disasters and epidemics. Young people living in situations such as these are particularly vulnerable to mental distress and illness

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Moving Your Mind Project

8/23/2018

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The Healthy Clubs Initiative was created in 2013 as part of the Healthy Ireland Framework in improving health and well-being 2013-2025. The initiative is supported by Healthy Ireland, the HSE, the National Office for Suicide Prevention and Irish Life. The aim of this initiative was to ensure that every club would become a focal point for health and well-being (GAA Community & Health Department, 2018). Through this initiative, and to meet Healthy Irelands’ goal of improving health and well-being in the community, a new program was recently developed in County Mayo.

In partnership with the Movement Gym (Castlebar), Mayo Mental Health Association, Mayo GAA and the HSE ‘Moving your Mind’ was developed and designed to create awareness within rural communities on the connections between physical health and mental health.

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First Annual Youthreach Gaelic Football 7s

8/21/2018

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First Annual Youthreach Gaelic Football 7s
Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence to host unique event

On Wednesday 20th June 2018 the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence in Bekan, Claremorris, Co. Mayo hosted teams from Mayo, Roscommon, Galway and Longford as part of the first annual Youthreach GAA 7s competition. The competition is designed to promote participation in Gaelic Games amongst Youthreach Trainees.

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Mayo Mental Health Annual Art Poster Competition

8/21/2018

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Newsletter For February & March 2018

4/30/2018

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PJ Murphy Chairperson of Mayo Mental Health Association Passionate speech on "World Mental Health day"

10/11/2017

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Good Morning, as Chairperson of Mayo Mental Health Association I would like to welcome you all here on the occasion of World Mental Health Day 2017. This year the theme being “Mental Health At Work"

As you all know, a large portion of our time is spent at work, and this year the aim of world mental health day is to highlight the importance of making these experiences as positive as possible by promoting mental well being in all working environments.

Now, I would like to take a few minutes to tell you a little about our own organisation, as some may know, Mayo Mental Health Association was founded in 1970 but the first meeting of the association was actually in December 1968.

We have seen many changes in the area of mental health in the last 49 years and it has always been our Association's aim to promote positive mental health by removing the fear and stigma attached to mental illness and to highlight the importance of maintaining good mental wellbeing.

We have achieved this in many forms, especially, through various education programmes which have raised the profile of public awareness of mental health issues.

Our programmes start at a primary school level, where we organise and coordinate an annual Art Poster Competition; here our aim is to introduce children to the idea of minding and valuing their own mental health.

In 2013, our Association set up a post primary schools mental health education programme, where we plan, participate and facilitate "Mental Health Awareness Weeks". Our manager, Niall Dunne, has developed this excellent education programme, which currently is on offer to all secondary schools in Co Mayo. To date, 24 secondary schools are participating, involving several thousand students.

In fact, over the years, our Association has been to the forefront in that learning process through it's schools programmes, seminars and public lectures.

Our initiatives are not just confined to education; we have developed partnerships with many community groups, where we offer support and guidance in the area of mental health awareness.

We also provide quality community housing for persons with mental health issues and this social housing project has been in operation for nearly 50 years.

Indeed, it was this need for such re- housing, especially for discharged patients of St Mary’s Hospital who found it difficult to source their own accommodation, that prompted the founding members to establish the Association.

This re-housing scheme facilitated a transition from hospital to community living from the large institution to the community based approach that we have today. The Association played a key role in the bringing about change by breaking down the barriers of intolerance and prejudice that had prevailed at that time.

In today's society, tremendous advances have been made in the area of mental health awareness and Mayo Mental Health Association has been the vital link that has always encouraged tolerance and understanding of mental health issues.

Our Association will always lead the way, I trust, in informing, educating and fostering a culture where people with mental health issues are respected and supported.

Due to time constraints, I could not cover all of the activities of the association here this morning. However, our full lists of activities are provided in our information booklet, which is available here.

The Association is fortunate to have a group of dedicated volunteer members who give freely of their time and talents to promote the aims of our association and I would like to thank these volunteers, and our staff and also the management and staff of Mayo HSE with whom we are in partnership.

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BODY IMAGE?

7/25/2017

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Dear Body Image,

I know we haven’t always seen eye to eye with each other, at times our relationship is very hot and cold. When we co-exist well together I feel on top of the world, and my confidence levels soar. I feel like I can take on anything life throws at me, and even if it’s a typical Irish gloomy day and I’m drenched running to work, I still feel great.

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Success is a matter of personal contentment

6/28/2017

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Michael Gallagher is a well-known journalist and inspirational speaker. A native of Ballycroy in North Mayo, he now lives in Islandeady and is closely associated with many sporting and community organisations.

He has a great passion for the people and places of the West of Ireland and believes that anything is possible in life.

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Are You Interested In Volunteering At Mayo Mental Health Association?

5/22/2017

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Did you know that most work organisations provide an allocation of hours for you to partake in some Volunteer work!! If you are lucky enough to fall within this bracket then why not get in touch with us here at MMHA and allocate some time to an array of events that we organise throughout the year. We are critically aware that volunteers are crucial to help maintain life, just like Mental Health awareness services that we promote to the people of Mayo daily.

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Using the Power of Positivity

4/22/2017

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My name is Katie Moore; I’m 30 years old and from Co. Mayo. I’m a visual artist. I love to travel, explore different countries and experience other cultures. I enjoy keeping fit, I have run 3 marathons, the most recent one being the New York City Marathon. I’m a real foodie and love to cook!