Muff native Blathnaid Logue is supporting SAM, the national conference on Sport Aiding Mental-Health which will take place in Jacksons Hotel on Friday 31 May. 
Having experienced from mental health difficulties since her teenage years, Blathnaid, mother to two young children is passionate about breaking the silence around mental health and challenging the stigma and discrimination still exists today.
As a Tenant Support Worker with STEER Housing Association, Blathnaid feels that she has an opportunity to work with individuals and families who need a certain level of support and she can highlight issues relating to mental health and the most important message for Blathnaid is to say to people, who are affected by depression or other mental health difficulties, you can recover and recovery is a reality.
“I experienced depression for many years, it was a long battle but I can safely say that I am well on the road to recovery.”
“I availed of many services and supports over the years and for the most part they were beneficial to me, I found the mental health advocacy support particularly helpful when I was first diagnosed.”
“I was quite young and did not know a lot about depression, the advocacy service helped me and my family to get up to speed with the medication, I was using and helped me gain a great insight and understanding of my mental health difficulties and the services and supports available to help me on my road to recovery”
“I think it is really important that people who are experiencing mental health difficulties know that recovery is a reality and that there are supports available to help you on your road to recovery.”
Blathnaid will be speaking about her own experiences and her own journey of recovery at the Sport Aiding Mental-Health conference in Ballybofey later this month.
“I think it is great that this conference will be highlighting the link between physical activity and positive mental health, There is a lot of evidence to show the strong link and I have found that everyone is different.”
“Some people will enjoy going to the gym, while others will prefer an aerobics class or a nice long walk. Whatever your preference, I would encourage everyone to take the time to do some sort of physical activity everyday.”
Blathnaid is one of a number of speakers who will be participating in this national conference. Other speakers include Dr. Tony Bates founding Director of Headstrong, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health, Charlie McHugh, well known Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist from Donegal and Martin Rogan, Assistant National Director for Mental Health Services in the HSE.
The conference will also include exhibitions and stands from numerous groups and organisations who are providing services and supports throughout the country. This conference will be chaired by well known RTE presenter Miriam O’Callaghan.
Everyone is welcome and although the conference is free, booking is essential. To book your place email SAMconference2013@donegalcoco.ie or call 074 91 53900.