Thread by @joefingalgreen

Looking forward to giving the keynote address at this morning’s launch of the @SeeChangeIRL 9th annual #GreenRibbonIRL #EndTheStigma campaign.

The theme of this year’s campaign is Exclusion - a topic very close to my heart as minister with responsibility for social inclusion.

With every campaign & with every #GreenribbonIRL worn publicly there are increased chances to #EndTheStigma of mental illness & start conversations. With this campaign there is more opportunity than ever to really turn around how we think and talk about mental illness.

We have all now shared a mentally & emotionally traumatic experience of living through a pandemic. Obviously that trauma different for everyone, but I believe that in 1 way or another everyone has had a traumatic experience in the past 18 months simply by living through pandemic.

And I think this shared trauma gives us an opportunity to open up a little bit more about our mental health and in turn about mental illness.

#GreenRibbonIrl #EndTheStigma

Now, as we emerge from the restrictions it is vital that we foster that culture of honesty around mental illness. But it is crucial that we recognise that not everyone will emerge into the same freedoms.

#GreenRibbonIrl #EndTheStigma

The timing of this year’s #GreenRibbonIrl launch is very timely. With announcement of reopening plan I think many people are feeling a lot of emotions,sometimes conflicting ones. There is a level of excitement,a level of relief but also I think very significant levels of anxiety

Not just anxiety because virus is still with us but anxiety because society is about to return to that often crazy mode that sometimes seem overwhelming for many, & is of & at a pace that isn’t always conducive to good mental health or frank discussions about mental illness.

Now, as we emerge from the restrictions it is vital that we foster a culture of honesty around mental illness. But it is crucial that we recognise that not everyone will emerge into the same freedoms.

#GreenRibbonIrl #EndTheStigma

For some the isolation of past 18 months will have felt just like an extension of their normal life. Many will fear facing back into world where they are discriminated against,where they are afraid to put a hand up for help & admit struggling for fear of being judged once again.

It’s sad reality that many facing toughest personal circumstances – marginalised communities such as travellers, #LGBTQIA+, non-nationals, refugees, & others -are often forced to adopt a tough persona. To pretend discrimination doesn’t sting,to be expected to just ‘rise above it’

That’s easier said than done & it’s vital necessary supports are provided to foster a culture of social inclusion wherein everyone, no matter background,feels no shame in asking for help for mental illness in same way they wouldn’t feel shame seeking help for a physical illness.

That is why my department oversees a number of initiatives designed to maximise social inclusion and to encourage and support participation in activities that we know have a positive impact on mental health.

#GreenRibbonIrl #EndtheStigma

I have responsibility for #SICAP – the Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme. SICAP is State’s main Social Inclusion tool & it is used in communities throughout Ireland to support communities through community development, and one to one engagement with support workers.

This week many families will deal with the 1st day in school, or return to school. For almost all families there is some level of stress involved but families from marginalised communities face the additional stress of worrying will the child or children be accepted?

Will they be treated the same as other children, will they be discriminated against? 

For the children themselves those fears will be magnified. What if nobody wants to be friends, what if I’m bullied for who I am?
 
#GreenRibbonIrl #EndTheStigma

For those already at risk of, or suffering from mental illness, such stress can significantly amplify the problem but those from marginalised communities risk a potential double stigma if they identify themselves as also struggling with their mental health.

#GreenRibbonIrl

So I’d like to give a message of solidarity with young people in particular this week who are facing the sometimes daunting prospect of school & are worried about being included. I’d encourage you to reach out to young people you know this week to see how it has been for them.

Separately,due to my responsibilities it would be remiss of me not to mention addiction as not just a health issue but also a mental health issue. #Addiction is an illness that causes even further exclusion & discrimination & It may be a challenge we see more coming out of Covid

The Programme for Government commits to taking a health-led approach to addiction and a number of the projects under my remit help to tackle the issue of #addiction in communities throughout Ireland.

#GreenRibbonIrl #EndTheStigma

We have specific Community Employment Schemes with additional supports for people suffering from #addiction. #SICAP projects also provide a varied array of initiatives throughout communities to engage with people to find a path through their addiction.

Mine and my Department’s role in helping to #EndTheStigma is ultimately to decrease or remove the social exclusion currently experienced by far too many in our society because I know and understand that such exclusion can cause and, without doubt, does exacerbate, mental illness.

That is why the Roadmap for Social Inclusion which I have responsibility for, is key to ensuring social inclusion is at core of public policy and service delivery across all Gov Depts…

It is only by fostering an inclusive and vibrant society within which everyone feels included and supported will we move to a reality where it is ok to say you’re not ok.

#GreenRibbonIrl #EndTheStigma

I think we have an extraordinary opp to bring a dramatic change to how society perceives mental illness as we emerge from Covid & I encourage all to share their stories of mental illness & reach out to those who they feel might be suffering or who may just appreciate a check in.