Mental health is “a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” (WHO, 2007) .

It can be good; at times it can be bad. We should try to look after it in the same way we look after our physical health.

It’s easy to see when something’s wrong with us physically. But what about our mental health? If people don’t even notice you’ve got a problem, they’re not going to offer to help.
Mental health is something we all have and it is something we should take steps to protect in the same way we guard our physical health. If you can get your head in the right place then you’ve got the strength to handle anything life throws at you.

Mental health is about more that being free of mental illness such as depression. It is also about having a positive sense of well being. Positive mental health allows us to enjoy life, believe in our own abilities, cope with the normal stresses of life, work/study productively and enjoy socializing.

One in four people will be affected by mental issues at some point in their lives. Even if you do not experience mental health problems personally, it is likely that one of your family members, friends, colleagues or neighbours will.

This means that these issues impact everyone and that we all have a role to play in helping to remove the stigma associated with mental health.

The IDP is focused on improving the mental health of all members of your community and support young people through various types of personal development programmes. The IDP has been working with the Exchange Project and formerly with Buncrana Community Combating Suicide group from its inception and will continue to support the work of mental health initiatives into the future. One of our most recent Mental Health Support Projects is the Social Prescribing Project.

[bigbluelink]A list of Helplines and contact details[/bigbluelink]

Download Buncrana Community Combatting Suicide information leaflets…

Youth Mental Health & Wellbeing (PDF 844kb)

Adult Mental Health & Wellbeing (PDF 308kb)