Aware at the Rose of Tralee
A big thank you - and good luck - from all at Aware to two young ladies who are competing in this year's Rose of Tralee competition and have chosen to highlight Aware's work as part of the process.
Caoimhe Daly (left), is 24 years old and is the Monaghan Rose for 2011. Speaking about her decision to promote Aware through the competition, she says: "As a final year medical student at NUI Galway, I have seen first-hand the devastating affect that depression and other mood disorders can take and have taken on countless Irish people of all ages and walks of life. In April of this year, I was fortunate enough to be selected to represent County Monaghan in the Rose of Tralee. As such, I am taking the opportunity to help promote awareness about depression, suicide and other mental health issues and to fundraise in aid of Aware."
Michelle Ryan (right), from Raheny, is bidding to become the Dublin Rose and will find out whether or not she has been successful on June 12. Michelle says: "I chose Aware because I suffer from depression, and know a variety of people that do too. Even if one person becomes aware of Aware through me, I'll feel it will have made a difference. I would love to help set up a support group in my area, as I feel I am strong enough to help others now, and show them there's a light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how low you get."
We appreciate both their efforts and wish them every success.
every blessing to you both
I can imagine that many people who have not suffered from depression will look at the photo of Michelle and find it very difficult to believe that she suffers/has suffered from depression. That photo of an ordinary although very beautiful young woman willing to go public may possibly help people with or without experience of depression to think differently about depression and remove the amount of stigma still prevailing.
Absolutely, Margaret. The more people that are open about depression, the weaker the stigma surrounding mental health issues will be.
It’s been great to see changes in that direction in the last few years and hopefully it can continue.
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