With the county in the grip of a mental health crisis, local men in particular have been urged to speak out and seek help to save lives.

The plea comes from a local country music star who spoke out after overcoming his own battle with mental health that left him seriously ill and in intensive care.

Anthony McBrien, pictured left, one of Fermanagh’s top music artists, is on the road to recovery after ‘taking a different route’ with his mental health, which led to him spending several weeks in the hospital.

“Honestly, it’s no lie, it’s been the hardest time of my life,” Mr McBrien told the Herald.

“In life we ​​are a bit empty and we go down paths, maybe it’s not a good idea and if anyone feels a challenge in their life, talk to someone about it.”

It was recently revealed that Northern Ireland has the highest rate of people suffering from mental health problems in the UK, with a worrying 25% prevalence of problems affecting men here compared to England.

The fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic and cost of living crisis has been reported to be impacting some men’s mental health.

Enniskillen mental health counselor Raymond Farrell also acknowledges the impending winter period may be difficult for some local men, but he urges men to speak out if they feel vulnerable.

“On dark evenings in winter, people find that there is seasonal affective disorder,” Mr Farrell said.

“For some people who don’t get enough natural light, this can be a time of year when people may be more vulnerable to low mood and depression.

“It’s important to recognize that there is advice and support from the GP to manage this.”

After overcoming his struggles, country music star Anthony McBrien believes there is plenty of support available for men ready to speak out.

“I didn’t talk to anyone and took a different route. If you feel there are challenges in your life that are putting you at risk, I ask men and women to speak out,” McBrien said.

“That’s what I would do now and I haven’t done it before and it could have been a different story.”

This month, Fermanagh men are showing solidarity with each other by taking part in a series of ‘Movember’ fundraising campaigns in a bid to raise awareness of mental health.

Derrygonnelly Harps GFC are one of several groups taking part in the campaign. A spokesperson for their health and wellbeing committee is encouraging all local men to seek help.

“Our adult male players, alongside the health and wellbeing committee, are hosting an event to raise awareness of men’s mental and physical health,” they said.

“On Saturday November 30, they will take part in a Move Challenge, cycling 60 km per hour in our new gym, in memory of the 60 men taken around the world by suicide every hour.

“This event will encourage us all to speak up and reach out, to make it part of our daily conversations.”

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Published: 2:16 p.m. on November 22, 2024