Tyrone mother creates facebook page to deal with mental health

by Gráinne Connolly

Joanne O'Hanlon from Ballygawley has recently started a facebook page to help local people deal with mental health issues. 

The page 'It's ok not to be ok - please ask for help' is targeted at people of any age to let them know its normal to not feel ok sometimes and encourages people to seek help.

Joanne was inspired to set up the page, while her daughter Caitlin suffered with an ongoing battle with an eating disorder, self-harm and depression. 

The 40 year old told the Ulster Herald, "I set up this new facebook page to let people know that they are never alone."

"Not everyone will judge them. The page is there so people ask for help and so far, many people have reached out to me which is incredibly encouraging."

Joanne encourages people to share their experiences on their page or privately, to help others and their own personal problems. 

Posts have been shared through the page talking about depression and mental health, particularly on the recent suicides in the West Tyrone area.

Here's one from Aoife O'Hanlon, Joanne's other daughter. 

She played a strong role within the O'Hanlon household to help Caitlin recover from her illness and help her mother deal with the situation. 

Joanne also said she is worried for the younger generations and the pressures they face today: 

"I feel so sorry and so scared for this generation...girls strive to wear the latest fashion trends and have the most expensive clothes. Some even starve themselves to look like models seen on billboards and in magazines."

To date, Joanne has received over 50 messages from people reaching out for help and support. 

The page has had a positive impact on the local people and great feedback. 

She said "I honestly had no idea the page would have such a positive impact- i'm just overwhelmed!"

To access the facebook you can go to the link below: 

https://www.facebook.com/Its-OK-NOT-to-Be-OK-Please-ASK-for-Help-1353019021445460/