Andrew Carey
andrew
HAVING battled with his own issues of depression, rugby legend Alan Quinlan has been there and back and he told a gathering of network leaders that too much stress leads to distress and that, in turn, makes things harder to cope with.
Speaking at a recent Network Limerick event, the former Munster and Ireland star said it was still very important to break down the stigma attached to mental illness.
Research shows that one in four people will experience a mental health illness at some stage during their lives.
“It’s important to break down the stigma around mental health and to normalise it for people who suffer from anxiety or depression or another illness. Stigma is based on fear and misunderstanding,” he explained.
“It is preventing people from reaching out, seeking help and getting jobs. I passionately believe that talking about mental health is a positive – not a negative –thing. If society embraces talking about mental health we can all gain a better understanding and empathy towards one another.”
“For an organisation like Network Limerick to have me here to speak gives an important message – not about Alan Quinlan – but about positive mental health and breaking down the stigma. If you, as an individual or as a group, can try and encourage more people to seek help – instead of putting on a mask and portraying a happy person, even though deep down that person is in a tough place – that’s what this is all about.”
He went on to emphasise the role our lifestyles play in maintaining a healthy balance.
“Portraying a constantly happy image and not opening up to people can lead to negative self-analysis, doubt, questioning your ability and values. Becoming aware of your own mental health gives you motivation, desire, energy, enjoyment and fulfilment in life. It allows you to take hold of your emotions and to be aware of the present and enjoy the things you do.
“In life, there will always be stresses, pressures and anxieties, but you can reduce that by gaining a better understanding of your mental health.
“Reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, taking time out for ourselves – a lot of people who have stress and pressure in their lives never take a break – exercise and a nutritious healthy diet play a massive role in our mental health and wellbeing.
“Our bodies produce natural endorphins when we move and by getting active you can look after your physical and mental health together.”
As an athlete mentor for the Sky Sports “Living for Sport” initiative, Alan Quinlan teaches secondary school pupils about the wider skills that can be learned through participation in sport.
“I speak in a lot of schools and it is important for young kids to get into the habit, when they are young, to speak to someone of influence in their lives – a parent, coach, teacher – about something that they are nervous or worried about. They gain perspective and advice instead of absorbing it themselves and creating an environment where they don’t talk or open up to people,” he concluded
