Council backs mental health push - but one councillor challenges role of policy
While Dublin city councillors can lend their support to mental health campaigns, they also need to be aware of their role in how government policies exacerbate citizens' mental health struggles.
That’s according to Social Democrats Cllr Karl Stanley, who spoke about the need to shift from mere awareness of mental health problems in the city toward real accountability for their role in residents' troubles. While discussing the importance of the “It's OK Not to Be OK” project, Cllr Stanley said it’s politicians who make decisions that often negatively impact “people who are struggling to make ends meet.”
“Whether it’s living in substandard housing or not being able to access services that make their lives easier, these things feed into poor mental health. This is something we should be talking about as there’s an imperative on us to make the lives of our fellow Dubliners a little bit easier so they can focus on their own wellbeing,” he said.
These comments came off the back of a motion from Independent Cllr Kevin Breen at Monday’s North Central Area Committee meeting. He wished to highlight the achievements of the campaign led by long-time community volunteer Theresa Kelly from Coolock.
Cllr Breen explained that the “It's OK Not to Be OK” initiative aims to convey the message that asking for help is “a sign of strength, not a weakness.” As an encouragement for open conversations that break down the stigma surrounding mental health, Cllr Breen commended Ms Kelly for providing a space for people who far too often “struggle in silence.”
“With this motion, the council reaffirms our commitment to positive mental health, standing with those who are struggling and fostering a city built on compassion, understanding, and openness,” he said.
This motion gained unanimous support, with Fine Gael Cllr Supriya Singh highlighting the ‘It's OK Not to Be OK’ pins and cards as a “simple but incredibly effective tool” to raise awareness and provide people with phone numbers and support service. “These pins and cards help start conversations, create understanding, and remind people they are not alone,” she said.
“Mental health affects every family, every neighbourhood, and every age group. By supporting this campaign we are sending a strong signal that we take mental health seriously and we are supportive of making a more compassionate and supportive society. It is a small action with a potentially life changing impact,” she added.
Fine Gael Cllr Clodagh Ni Mhuiri also lent her support to the motion while calling out other mental health services, such as the Suaimhneas Clubhouse in Raheny, which offers the community non-medical mental health support. “We are lucky to have services like that in our community, important to support them and campaigns like this,” she said.
Phonelines the Samaritans were also praised by Green Cllr Donna Cooney, who explained that there are many countries around Europe that don’t offer services like this. As a phone line that puts people in emotional distress in contact with somebody immediately, this life saving service is volunteer led .
Fianna Fail Cllr Aoibheann Mahon supported the motion and requested it be extended beyond just the North Area Committee and that all 63 councillors be provided with “It's OK Not to Be OK” pins to demonstrate just how seriously they take mental health. “We can sit here and speak and look confident but not everyone is okay,and it’s important to acknowledge that across the city,” she said.
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