The Newtowncunningham man said he struggled during the transition from secondary to third level education. However, thanks to the many supports provided by ATU, he is back on track and is now determined to use his experience to help others.<\/p>\n
\u201cAn opportunity arose, given my role here as SU President and with my own personal experience, to become a Movember Ambassador,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI struggled with mental health issues, particularly when transitioning from second level education to college. I didn\u2019t realise how difficult it was until I came out of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said he tried a few different sports and counselling to help improve his mental health.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the end, it was a mix of all of them, as well as the great supports here at ATU and the great atmosphere.\u201d<\/p>\n
A recent report on men\u2019s mental health found that around 25 per cent of men surveyed found there was limited support.<\/p>\n
Movember, Joseph added, hopes to change that.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe lack supports generally and it is hard for people,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s clear that support for men, and young men, isn\u2019t there. However, it is improving thanks to these (Movember) types of campaigns. But I still see a stigma around men\u2019s mental health issues, and the campaign is tackling that. It allows more people to come forward and say \u2018I\u2019m struggling and need help\u2019, which is great. I went through a very difficult period, and now I help where I can to help other people come forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joseph advises anyone who may be struggling to reach out for whatever local supports are available.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t be afraid to talk about it and, remember, many other people are going through something similar. You\u2019re not on your own and people are there to support you, and don\u2019t be afraid to reach out to friends and family, too\u201d.<\/p>\n
In terms of Movember challenges, Joseph is running 60k this month for the 60 men we lose globally to suicide every hour. He is also growing a moustache and will be hosting a variety of Movember events and fundraisers in ATU Donegal.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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