Ahead of Pieta Darkness into Light 2022, broadcaster and mental health advocate Keith Walsh is speaking about the importance of speaking out and asking for help if you feel you need it.
Keith is releasing a special two-part podcast featuring conversations with Darkness into Light Ambassadors Shane Carthy and Louise Cooney, discussing their personal stories, why they feel so strongly about the event, as well as the importance for everyone to try and look after their mental health.
Keith feels it's important that all people, young and old, feel that they can reach out.
The more spaces we create where people can be vulnerable and honest about their struggles with mental health, the better - when we hear that others struggle too, we know we're not alone and it gives us all the permission to put our hand up and say we need help.
Speaking about the upcoming sunrise event on May 7th, the presenter says it's a great event:
"I'm so happy to get involved in #DiL2022 and the podcast. Pieta Darkness into Light is a special event that brings friends and family together to remember those friends and family members lost to suicide"
In episode one, Dublin footballer and Pieta #Dil2022 Ambassador Shane Carthy speaks to Keith about his very personal story of struggles as a teenager, and how he has worked to find a combination of methods to help him during difficult times.
Shane says that everyone from young to old should try to create a toolbox of ways to help with their mental health:
"I'd coined that idea of what I called my mental health toolbox and I love that analagy... that visual of having tools and resources to refer to on bad days."
Shane says that it's so important to recognise the complex nature of mental health.
"My life was going on an upward curve but, internally, it was the exact opposite."
Support information is available on RTE.ie/helplines
Pieta Darkness Into Light 2022: Podcast Special with Keith Walsh is available on the RTÉ Radio Player, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
