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In a deeply personal post Crotlieve Councillor Mark Gibbons has stressed the importance of people looking after their mental health and has explained what helps him when he is feeling low.
In 2024 he made the decision to see a counsellor for his own mental health and he said that people shouldn't be afraid to reach out, as when you do it's a 'game changer'
Cllr Gibbons believes you need to find something to do that you enjoy. "If you’re feeling low, find people, a club, or an activity you’ve always enjoyed. For me, it’s my family, my community work, my writing, and the Shed. They all play a big part in my mental wellbeing." he said.
As an author who writes under the pen name of Frank O'Neill he finds this a labour of love.
"My writing helps too. Taking the Councillor hat off, even for an hour, and putting the Frank O’Neill one on gives me space to breathe and do what I love. I’d be lost without it, and I love getting lost within it."
Rostrevor Men’s Shed has been a huge help to Cllr Gibbons. "In a nice twist of irony, the very shed I wanted to create for people who might be struggling with their mental health ended up helping me when I was at my lowest. These days, I can only make it on a Wednesday evening because of Saturday work commitments, but even one night a week makes a big difference. And to see the Shed celebrate its 10th anniversary is truly fantastic. They are a wonderful group of men.
PIPS Hope and Support can be contacted at 028 3026 6195 or by email to info@pipshopeandsupport.org
Newry Samaritans can be contacted at 0330 094 5717
