THOSE in charge of mental health services must make sure they are really taking the time to listen to those who come forward seeking help, instead of “just ticking boxes.”
That’s the vital message from a well-known local man who himself has experienced first-hand the powerful impact of “being heard” when going through his own struggles.
Stephen Carters, a former Lisnaskea Emmetts player, has also outlined how all of us can help those who may be experiencing mental health issues, by simply be being there for them and offering a safe space where they are listened to.
Stephen was speaking to the Herald following last week’s visit to Enniskillen by the Covid Inquiry, which heard from a local woman whose husband died by suicide during lockdown.
The woman outlined to the ‘Every Story Matters’ event the detrimental impact the pandemic had on both people’s mental health and continues to have on access to local health services, such as the telephone triage system still used by local GPs.
While Stephen’s own experience pre-dated the pandemic, he saw the impact lockdown had on people’s mental health, through the loss of vital social contact with others, such as at gyms, hairdressers or other outlets where people would make connections with each other.
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