WORLD Mental Health Day takes place on October 10th each year.

Good mental health is vital to our overall health and well-being. Yet one in eight people globally are living with mental health conditions, which can impact their physical health, their well-being, how they connect with others and their livelihoods.

One in four people in Northern Ireland will experience problems that affect their mental health at some point in their lives. Mental health conditions are also affecting an increasing number of adolescents and young people.

Talking about how we are feeling is very important, and campaigns such as the Five Steps to Wellbeing are hugely beneficial to promote positive mental health. The Five Steps to Wellbeing is evidence-based, and can be easily achieved through involvement in the GAA.

1) Be Active

We are well aware that our physical and mental health are interconnected, so providing opportunities to be physically active, to not just our players, but the wider community is really positive.

2) Connect

Our GAA clubs are hubs of their community, and this creates a great sense of connectedness for people to others, but also a sense of connection to our local area.

3) Keep Learning

As the old saying goes “every day is a school day”, and so it is true about anyone involved in the GAA. It is a fast-paced environment, offering opportunities to learn, as players, coaches, volunteers, team-mates and in many other contexts.

4) Give

This is the essence of the GAA – operating through the work of volunteers who give of their time, skills and passion to their club. And although volunteering can be hard-work, it is also very rewarding.

5) Take Notice

We are reminded about the importance of mindfulness; taking time in the here and now to appreciate all around, and within us. Our involvement in the GAA can make us more in-tune with our local community and aware of self through physical activity.

More information on mental health programmes which clubs and counties can tap into can be found on Ulster GAA’s Health & Wellbeing microsite: ulster.gaa.ie/health/programmes

Clubs can also find more general information on mental health at the links below:

Six Counties: www.mindingyourhead.info/

Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal: Mental health – HSE.ie

Where to get Help

If you are concerned about yourself or someone you know you can contact Samaritans 24/7 on the contact details provided. If you are concerned for someone’s immediate safety call 999 or Lifeline on the contact details provided. Any concern about our health should be brought to the attention of our GP.

– Samaritans: Call 116 123

– Lifeline: Call 0808 808 8000 or Textphone 18001 0808 808 8000