“This morning a close friend of mine sent me a text regarding the tragic death of Robin Williams,” says the musician and Voice Of Ireland man. “He questioned my beliefs that if you seek help, mental health issues can be managed and dealt with in most cases. With physical health, in the majority of cases the issues can be treated and cured but sometimes people lose this battle and it's no different for mental health. Those who seek help can find ways of managing their issues but sometimes, like with physical health, people can lose this battle.
“One of the hardest yet most liberating things a person can do is admit they are not emotionally invincible. After that initial step of admittance many avenues and roads open that can help lead you to a much stronger place. There is a lot of powerful and sincere talk about positive mental health in society currently but no one should be clouded of how tough and painful it can be for those affected. However, help-seeking behaviour must be promoted, nurtured and encouraged as it's the first step in finding your way of dealing with your issues. Be patient, everyone is different and surround yourself with people who support and understand your situation. You are certainly not alone.”
We’ll be talking mental health with Niall Breslin in the next issue of Hot Press, out on Thursday August 21.