A man who survived two mental health breakdowns is now using his experience in a bid to help others facing their own personal battles.
These days Barry McGovern, 43, is working tirelessly to promote more awareness of mental health. Originally from Killyclogher in Co Tyrone, he now lives in Belfast and is the manager of The Works in CastleCourt.
Barry has bravely opened up about his struggles after a traumatic experience in his teenage years.
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He told Belfast Live: "My first breakdown was at the age of 12 and the second at 16 after I was raped in my teens. That experience sent me into a downward spiral and I became suicidal. I was institutionalised in a mental health facility for three months as a result.
"I've always struggled with my mental health but despite all of this, I have grown within myself to become an extremely strong person. I'm lucky to have a very strong family supporting me so it's important to me that I now help other people through situations that they have encountered.
"Trying to help and inspire others by telling my story has been a lifelong ambition. Now every day is a blessing and to be able to tell my story to people I encounter each day, friends and strangers alike, gives me the strength and hope that I can at least help one other person."
Barry has entered the Shining Light Pageant 2023 for Mental Health Awareness on April 1 in the Everglades Hotel in Derry. As well as raising awareness for mental health, he's also fundraising for two charities, PIPS Suicide Prevention and Newpin Northern Ireland, to help provide support to everyone in extreme need of help.
"These charities are very close to me personally and with the current situation in life and how mental health has become very much part of everyone’s life with lockdowns, financial worries with the cost of living crisis, both of these charities are extremely powerful and a fantastic outreach for help and support," he explained.
Barry added: "To help with fundraising, back in November we decided to start holding charity events at work with the staff in full fancy dress and a different theme each time and the shop decorated to match the theme.
"We organised a Kings and Queens day for Women's Aid just before Christmas followed by an event for Inspire and most recently a Robin Hood themed day for PIPS. This month we are supporting PIPS Suicide Prevention again with a Viking theme day.
"These days have been very popular with the public and other staff within the shopping centre, and they are certainly gaining attention.
"It's definitely brightening up our days in work as well as supporting good causes. We plan to keep this going on a monthly basis for the foreseeable future to raise as much as we can this year.
"Being part of Shining Light has given me the opportunity and platform to hopefully bring inspiration to others and to help more people who are struggling with their own personal battles and mental health."
You can keep up to date on Barry's progress via his Facebook page and donate to his fundraising here.
Anyone who needs to talk to someone about mental health issues can call the Samaritans on 116123 or Lifeline on 0808 808 8000.
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