Joanne Treacy
On Friday Joanne Treacy will begin her trek up Slieve Foy as part of her attempt to conquer Ireland’s 26 mountain peaks in just ten days. Joanne’s challenge is in support of Headstrong, a non-profit organisation supporting young people’s mental health in Ireland.
“I really enjoy these kind of challenges where it is as much or maybe even more, a mental challenge as a physical one. It’s amazing what you can convince your body to do when you’re in the right frame of mind and it’s very empowering in normal life to know you can push yourself. I guess that is why I wanted to do this to support a mental health charity and use it as a way to do something positive and useful to raise awareness and support for positive mental health.
“I picked Headstrong as the charity as I think it is fantastic that they are focused specifically on Youth mental health needs, with Jigsaw offering support directly but also including and offering support to others concerned with young people in a community like parents; teachers; sports clubs etc. I really like that they are concerned about changing attitudes; attitudes to how we view mental health issues, but also how we approach addressing them. They are practical and positive and definitely deserve our support,” Joanne says.
The number one health issue for young people is their mental health. About 70% of health problems and most mortality among the young arise as a result of mental health difficulties and substance-use disorders (McGorry, 2005). Almost 75% of all serious mental health difficulties first emerge between the ages of 15 and 25 (Hickie, 2004; Kessler et al, 2005; Kim-Cohen et al, 2003).
Headstrong is leading the change across Ireland in youth mental health. Through research, engagement and service provision in the form of the Jigsaw Programme which operates in conjunction with the HSE and partners, we represent a new approach to promoting and supporting positive youth mental health.
Joanne is aiming to raise €5000 in support of Headstrong’s work. Donations can be made online at http://www.mycharity.ie/event/joanne_treacys_event/ and you can follow how Joanne gets on through twitter @climbeverymtn32 and @HeadstrongYMH
Talk of the Town 