A SOCIAL MEDIA-BASED enterprise is aiming to reach out to those affected by depression or bullying over the festive season.
This is the second year that the #depressionhurts initiative has offered support to those finding the Christmas period tough going.
There is a free app which provides support, help and advice and works from smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop (see link). The website depressionhurtsireland.com is full of useful links and contact details, as well as downloadable sections to take away and use to provoke a discussion with young people, employees and other groups.
Co-founder of #depressionhurts, Norah Bohan, says that the app has been a new departure this year and one that was very much needed. She said:
One of the big issues with depression, suicidal thoughts or bullying is that people need help immediately. We wanted to provide a go-to app to allow people to find instant information, help and emergency support for themselves or others.
All the work related to the #depressionhurts campaign is taken on by volunteers. Pratheesh Kumar of cgsireland.com designed the app and another supporter printed and is distributing 25,000 copies of a downloadable ‘help card’ to colleges, youth centres, community groups and the general public.
There is even a video ad – featuring The Lindy Hops – to publicise the support available:
via depressionhurtsvideo/Youtube
A particular section on the website is being used to highlight the issue of bullying in Irish society and provides reading, advice and help for dealing with bullying or identifying it if you believe a loved one might be affected by it. One of the subsections here focuses on cyber-bullying, and includes links to helplines such as Spunout and Childline, as well as guidelines and experiences from people who have experience of bullying.
See DepressionHurtsIreland here>
For further information or support on mental health and suicide, contact the following organisations:
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