Individual Post

 Independent Newry City Councillor Kevin McAteer has called on anyone who is suffering from depression to speak up and has reiterated how important it is to talk to someone and he has stressed that talking about your problems can save a life.

Speaking on the issue the Independent Councillor added:

“I know from personal experience how important it is to speak up when you are suffering from depression as I currently live with it myself following a suicide attempt in 2008. I can state right now that talking about my problems to my friends and family has really helped me deal with depression and I would advise anyone who suffers from depression to do the same. Make no mistake about it you are not alone.

The first step is always the hardest but I can only state from experience that it can get easier after the first step particularly when you confide in someone you trust. Furthermore you can always contact one of the local charities such as PIPS for help, as always they do great work and should be commended.”

McAteer has fiercely criticised the state of mental health services in the North of Ireland recently calling them poor and unsatisfactory.

“Due to my experiences I have been through the system and I can state now that the current services are terrible. We need to work together to develop a mental health service that is both effective and world class, a service that really helps and serves the needs to the people.”