A CALL went out from councillors for a citywide campaign to highlight the importance of men’s mental health through engaging with men’s sheds, schools, and sports organisations.
Proposed by Social Democrats councillor Shane Hickey-O’Mara at a full meeting of Limerick City and County Council, the motion received the backing of all council members.
“We’ve all heard the stories of men who are the victims of the housing crisis, stuck in their childhood bedrooms, paying exorbitant rents, who are trying to start their lives while watching their friends emigrate en masse,” Cllr Hickey-O’Mara commented.
“I’ve met men who are experiencing loneliness and isolation, who are struggling due to family separation or divorce, fighting tooth and nail to access crucial disability or mental health supports for their children.”
The City North representative, who works as a psychotherapist, called on his fellow councillors to break the stigma by starting the conversation in their communities. He also urged them to support organisations that promote social connection.
Independent councillor Maria Donoghue seconded the proposal, saying felt it very important that mental health is addressed.
Cllr Tom Ruddle (FG) took the view that women are better at expressing their feelings than men.
“This is a very worthy motion. If you went to the pub and met a few guys, they would never tell you their issues or their worries. But I think when women get together, they talk about things that matter. As my wife says, we don’t,” Cllr Ruddle opined.
Cllr Daniel Butler (FG) took the view that men are not good at connecting socially, or at “developing friendships beyond what perhaps they have in work or had from their youth”.
“The ability to create new friends is not something that us men are good at, and that obviously then leads to decreasing our mental wellbeing,” Cllr Butler said.
“Getting men to engage is the issue. There’s a huge amount of barriers and as councillors we are in a good position to provide that leadership.”
