If you haven’t yet seen the utterly fantastic film, ‘A Star is Born,’ then I recommend you get to the cinema pronto. It stars Bradley Cooper as a seasoned musician, discovering and falling in love with the incredibly talented Ally, played by Lady Gaga. Even though I was in a room filled with people I felt like they played and sang just for me. I was captivated and mesmerised.

The film led us on a journey of love, discovery, and the highs and lows of life. We came to what we thought was the lowest point and then we saw redemption so beautiful in its honesty and rawness that it brought tears to our eyes. I would have felt satisfied if it had concluded there, but the film continued. Instead it ended with heart break and devastation.

The credits started to roll to complete silence other than a few sniffs throughout the cinema. As I wiped the tears from my eyes I was left feeling bewildered as to how something which could stir my soul so much could also leave me feeling so hopeless. It was just a film- fantasy, and yet every day people do take their own lives and every day the people that are left behind are dealing with the fallout.

It can be so easy to feel hopeless and helpless when considering mental health. According to research conducted by the Samaritans, Northern Ireland has the highest suicide rate in the UK, with our male suicide rate being three times higher than the female rate. It is utterly heart breaking and each individual case has a devastating effect on families and communities. After watching ‘A Star is Born’ with its traumatic conclusion, I felt hopeless at first, but as I reflected, stories of hope began to come to mind. I remembered the article I read of a teenager, Paige Hunter, who after battling with suicidal thoughts herself now leaves messages of hope and love on her local bridge. The messages are simple yet powerful, such as ‘Step back. You’re worth it!’ and so far eight people have reached out to Paige to express their gratitude for her ‘bridge-notes.’ I remember friends who have courageously battled with their mental health and are living proof that there can indeed be light at the end of the tunnel. As I remember, I let hope arise.

Mental health, I believe is one of our biggest areas of concern in Northern Ireland and it can be easy to feel hopeless when reading newspaper headlines such as ‘Northern Ireland is facing a suicide epidemic.’ Hopelessness can feel overwhelming and we can then believe we are helpless in the face of this invisible foe. There are many fantastic organisations and groups in Northern Ireland that are, with determination and grit, offering hope and a lifeline to those in distress. As individuals we can take inspiration from Paige Hunter, how simple messages of hope and humanity can make a huge difference. I urge you to not partner with hopelessness, to dare to have hope and for that hope to spur you on to reach out to those in the midst of their despair. You are not helpless. An encouraging message, a listening ear, inclusion in the group banter; you might never know the effect of your simple actions, but for all you know they could make a life changing difference.

 

Useful Links

If you are experiencing mental health difficulties and want someone to talk to the Samaratains are available 24-7. You can call for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org.

Find a mental health organisation in NI: http://mentalhealthservices.nidirect.gov.uk/

Free worksheets and information for mental health problems: https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/