People with mental health problems say that the social stigma attached to mental ill health and the discrimination they experience can make their difficulties worse and make it harder to recover.Mental illness is common. It affects thousands of people in Ireland, and their friends, families, work colleagues and society in general.

​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

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.

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.

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.