Today is World Mental health Day and Down News is delighted to feature a video which really challenges psychological negativity.
To mark World Mental Health Day, Newcastle man Adrian Devlin has created a powerful video to tell his story and raise awareness of an illness which many people suffer in silence with writes Laura Barr.
The video which is narrated by Adrian reciting one of his poems, follows him walking through a dark forest until he reaches a clearing where his face is met with the sun and his outlook on life becomes positive.
Speaking to Down News on World Mental Health Day (10 October), Adrian said: “I felt that making a video was the most impactful way to get the poem across.
“A poem which I have sat on for the past three years.
“The self-doubt and negative self-talk were one of my biggest battles and I thought it is a battle which many people can relate too.
“I want people to know that there is a way out of feeling depressed and that they are not alone, however, in the midst of your battle it is hard to see this!”
Adrian who is now a Mental Health Coach initially shared his moving story with Down News back in September to highlight World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September).
Having faced his own mental health demons, Adrian sought the help of Castlewellan Mental Health Charity MYMY (Mind Your Mate Mind Yourself) and began to change his whole outlook on life and work through the many challenges he had experienced over the years.
Adrian said that through his own experience, this has given him the passion to “pass the baton, take what I’ve learned, and help others”.
Adrian would like to thank his brother-in-law, Ryan Douglas for filming and editing the video.
Speaking ahead of World Mental Health Day, Health Minister Robin Swann said that the Covid-19 pandemic has had “far reaching impacts” on all aspects of our lives.
During the third meeting of the NI Executive’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Group, the Minister added: “The full impact on our emotional wellbeing and mental health may not be truly felt for many months, possibly years to come.
“However, we can take steps now to improve our emotional wellbeing, seek treatment where it is needed and promote recovery.”
If you are concerned about your mental wellbeing, speak to your GP. If you are in distress or despair, the Lifeline helpline is available 24/7 on 0808 808 8000.
The Minding Your Head website has a range of resources to support mental health and enables access to free online stress control classes to help people cope with and recover from difficult situations.
