Donegal Dragons promote positive mental health in club and community

Donegal Dragons hosted a community mental health evening with speaker Bill Vaughan, bringing people together to help improve their mental wellbeing. The event took place in the Central Hotel on Monday, November 10 and was attended by Mayor Anna Gallagher, members of Donegal Dragons, and people from the wider community. 

Those present learned that each person’s mental health is unique, and even when a person feels at rock bottom, there is a programme of steps they can follow with guidance. This helps them to connect with their authentic self, and to build or rebuild meaningful relationships with those around them. 

Mayor Anna Gallagher praised the club for the supportive environment it provided.

“If I have noticed anything about coming down to the dragons, it is how much care and support you give each other and I am not just saying that as Mayor - it is everywhere and you can see it in everything you guys do and you can feel it, you can feel the energy that you bring,” she said.

“Mental health takes all different shapes. Like everybody in this room is unique, everybody’s mental health is unique as well. 

“When we talk about mental health we think of it as something that we manage quietly on our own. But in truth, mental health thrives in the community, it grows stronger when we come together, whether that is in a walking group, a rowing group, in a knitting, it doesn’t matter, as long as you are coming together with other people. 

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“Taking a step out of your home to meet other people is always good for your mental health. A group gives us structure, it gives us a reason to get up, to get out and to look forward.

“When we share time and laughter with others, we create positive thoughts, we feed off good energy and it helps keep anxiety at bay. Simply being part of something bigger than ourselves can often lift our spirits in ways we never expected. 

“Tonight I want to give special thanks to the Donegal Dragons, a shining example of what a community can do. You are a family of strength and resilience and care, especially for those recovering from illness. The belonging that you provide is priceless.”