Travellers' Wellbeing wallet card unveiled
A special wallet card to promote positive mental health within members of the Travelling community has been launched in the county.
"It may be small in size but it is powerful in purpose," assistant service manager at Cavan Traveller Primary Health Care, Emily McCusker, shared.
The Travellers' Wellbeing Mental Health wallet card was unveiled in Johnston Central Library in Cavan Town last Thursday morning, September 18.
The card details causes and signs of stress, as well as featuring information on where to get help if you are feeling low. The initiative was created by Cavan Traveller Primary Health Care in conjunction with Extern, Cavan Monaghan Connects and the HSE.
"Mental health can look different for everyone, but for many in the traveller community the pressures are often greater. Stress can become a daily norm, whether it's from family responsibilities, community expectations, or the weight of unspoken struggles," explained Ms McCusker of the need for the card.
Signs that you may be stressed are contained on the card, they include: Shutting yourself off; turning to drink; taking drugs, street drugs and painkillers; experiencing trouble sleeping; feeling fed up of everything all the time and getting angry with your partner or loved ones.
"This card is about naming those stresses, it's about helping recognise the signs and understanding that these behaviours aren't just habits, they can be cries for help.
"More importantly it's about showing that support is available and that taking one small step can make a massive difference," encouraged Ms McCusker.
The card had been created over the past six months. The language and imagery on the card were chosen and created by members of the Travelling community.
Speaking at the event, Marie Collins said that mental health affects everybody; however how travellers experience it, look for help and treat it is "very different".
"For the traveller community, these experiences are often met with exclusion, misunderstanding and barriers from the services and within the community.
"Travellers face higher rates of mental health challenges including anxiety, depression and suicide," Ms Collins said, adding that these issues can be "made worse" by "discrimination, absence of service, and lack of trust in the system".
Ms Collins finds that, while a lot of services are "well intended", they often "fail to meet the needs" of Traveller individuals and families.
"Having culturally appropriate mental health care means understanding and recognising the unique values, traditions and experience of the Traveller community."
Missy O'Leary who is a member of the traveller community also spoke at the launch, telling those gathered how mental health issues within her community are "a lot worse" than the general population.
"We know travellers face daily discrimination around education, employment and healthcare."
She said Travellers are "very proud" of their culture and identity, however mental health and suicide "can carry a lot of shame".
"We can fear judgement within the community, which makes looking for help almost impossible. We want to protect our families and our kids' futures. It is so important that we make it normal and okay to speak out and ask for help."
Meanwhile, the Resouces Officer for Suicide Prevention with the HSE Emer Mulligan stated: "Whether you're a Traveller, whether you're not a Traveller, whether you're male or female, we all experience things differently."
"We have to accept that it's okay to feel a bit nervous at times, it's okay to feel a bit afraid at times.
"If it gets to a level where you're just frozen and you're not able to get out of bed in the morning, then you need to go and talk to your GP about it." Five ways of helping yourself out of these situations are mentioned on the card, they include getting out and about, switching off, practicing self-care, your faith and talking to someone.
"Just thinking about these things is one thing but doing them is what's going to help your mental health.
"I know that the services are not perfect but I also know that there is help there. Sometimes it's not that there aren't the services, it's that people don't know they are there.
"Then some people do know that they are there but they are afraid to reach out for them." This month in particular, Green Ribbon Month, is about reducing stigma around seeking help.
"Shame is something that prevents people from reaching out for help. When it's too late to look for help, what really is shame? Does it mean anything at all?"
SUPPORTS
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, freephone Pieta House on 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444. More supports can be found on yourmentalhealth.ie or by calling their number 1800 111 888.