speaking out for mental health

an experience i began to reflect more on recently was the mental health march back in late november where i spoke at a march for justice mental health protest in Limerick city. I found it very empowering to speak about my own experience of mental health and bullying. when speaking abiout the issue of bullying i was very passionate and honest in that legislation needs to be drafted to protect young people from bullying. after speaking for a few mins and going from nervous to shaking to bright red public speaking i decided that i had one of the more easiest experiences of speaking at this protest because three mothers also spoke at this protest and made a heartfelt plea to allow coco’s law to come into legislation and protect victims of bullying especially from the perils of encountering cyber bullying online. Of these three mothers who bravely spoke their 3 daughters had suffered bullying and had died by suicide thereafter. it made me realise in a way i was one of the lucky ones having come out the other side of all this with my life intact. when speaking about this issue i emphasised the negative effects bullying can have on ones adolescent developmental cycle, mental; health , physical health and self actualising in later life. unfortunately as a result of what i experienced i often find myself behind in life or else it appears to be that way. i have encountered mental health difficulties and suffered PTSD as a result of the bullying this rendered me unable to work. however upon getting back to college this year and doing ok in my course and improving a little more in sports i found myself feeling grateful that i had survived the negative experience of bullying up to now and a lot others including the guest speakers daughters were not as lucky however their struggle will not be forgotton so i am hoping we can bring in legislation to protect people from being bullied in schools, clubs or on the internet.. in my opinion bullying is a crime and has not been taken seriously enough by socierty upto now with relaxed attitudes leading to further pain for thos unfortunate enough to have been victims of bullying. BULLYING IS NOT OK.. LETS BRING IN COCO’S LAW.. STAY SAFE !!