A Co Derry woman has bravely spoken out about her own mental health to highlight the need for community-based mental health services in Limavady.
Angela Canning-Kane (44) was prompted to speak out after a young person from the area died by suicide recently.
Angela (pictured), who is originally from Foreglen near Dungiven, has pledged ‘to do whatever it takes’ to help mental health sufferers.
She hopes by sharing her own story, it will encourage others to come forward.
Later this year, the Tesco worker will shave her head at a fundraiser at the Drummond Hotel, Ballykelly.
The mum-of-two wants all money raised from the event to remain in the local area and is even considering setting up a local support group to make sure that that happens.
Having struggled with her own mental health since the age of 18, Angela knows only too well how it feels having nowhere to turn to for help.
She said: “I know myself how easy it is to hide your true feelings.
“I have experienced ill mental health from I was 18 years-old. For years, I covered it up.
“I put on a front but that was difficult to keep up all of the time.
“I would go to work and smile and laugh all day, but when I was behind closed doors, my true feelings came out.
“I can’t imagine how hard it is for people who are feeling suicidal.
“Part of the problem is the stigma attached to mental health, people are afraid to share their feelings and that is why I have decided to share my story, in the hope that it will encourage others to come forward,” she said.
Angela believes that there are currently no adequate services for people in the Limavady area to avail of when they decide to take the step to find help.
She said: “Over the years I have sought help from my doctors and the Limavady Mental Health team, but there are lengthy waits for this service.
“During each visit I was seen by a different person, there was no consistency. I felt that I couldn’t open up.
“Apart from Lifeline and Zest, which works out of Derry city, there is nowhere that people in Limavady can turn to. Nowhere that they can just drop in for a chat. That is not acceptable.”
For more information on Angela’s charity shave which takes place on Friday, October 21, see Facebook page ‘Suicide Awareness’.
For anyone seeking help, contact lifeline on 08088088000.
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