Northwest Express

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CHECK OUT OUR SPECIAL OFFERS IN THE SHOP

December 2014 Issue 12 - Volume 15

Main Street, Collooney 071-9118010 WE WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL OUR LOYAL READERS & ADVERTISERS A VERY PEACEFUL

Telephone: 096-79590

BALLINA

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AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

THRILLS AT CARRICK INDOOR KARTING

Mental Health Highlighted as Festive Concern Sligo IT students have a ball

Agricultural CPI Spray Foam Insulation

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Louise McCabe, Megan Dillon, Ashling McHugh, Hazel Tully and Colleen Gallagher pictured at the recent Sligo IT Ball, which was held in the Clarion Hotel, Sligo. See the January edition of Sligo Now Magazine for more photos.

By Kate Winter

S

uicide prevention charities and mental health services in Ireland are calling for help in alleviating the pressures of the festive season on some of the more vulnerable members of our society. While Christmas and the holiday period surrounding it are a time of celebration and joy to many, there are some to whom the festive season brings only added stress and pain. Financial strain, a history of bereavement, relationship breakdowns, being away from home, all of these things can contribute to a vulnerable state of mind. A spokesperson for Sligo Samaritans told us, "This time of year is desperately hard on vulnerable people. There's a lot of fear surrounding the approaching event, this big event where you're supposed to be happy. Difficulties one might be having are really exacerbated by such expectations. A lot more people than you might realise are just trying to 'get through' Christmas in reality." While there is an existing misconception that the actual week of Christmas is the dangerous time for suicides and depression, statistics show that the figures in fact spike in the lead up to the event, and most of all in the New Year. The promise of a 'fresh start' and the false expectations this can bring, as well as a 'crash period' where bills are coming in and the rest of the cold winter months loom ahead is a true source of concern for those who are struggling with their state of mental health. Loneliness is another key factor in the rise in people looking for support and counselling from helplines and charities. At a time of year when the media is soaked with images of happy families and joyful gatherings, there are in fact many members of our communities quite literally left out in the cold. Continued on Page 2

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