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IF THE SCARIEST moment of your working day is opening the office fridge to see if there’s any milk for your morning cuppa, then spare a thought for Doug Allan.
While most of us are fending off calls from clients or co-workers, Scottish-born Allan could be trying to avoid curious polar bears in the Arctic.
But don’t feel too sorry for him – the genial cameraman and photographer has one of the coolest jobs around: he’s a wildlife cameraman and photographer.
(EarthUnplugged/YouTube)
TheJournal.ie caught up with Allan as he prepared for a series of talks around Ireland about his job, and he told us about the highlights of life working on shows such as Planet Earth and Blue Planet with the likes of Sir David Attenborough.
Allan first got interested in underwater activities as a child, after going snorkelling while on a family holiday near the Mediterranean, and reading the Jacques Cousteau book Silent World.
That developed into a full-blown obsession with the sea, leading to him studying marine biology in Stirling University in 1973.
Allan on location in Prince Leopold Island, Lancaster Sound, May 1995. Pic: Tartan Dragon Ltd
“The 60s were a pretty interesting decade to grow up in – the sea was like another frontier; there were two frontiers, space and the sea,” said Allan. That thirst for adventure into unknown lands rubbed off on the young Allan, and when he finished university he began to work as a diver, moving to the Antarctic in 1976 to work as a research diver on the British Antarctic Survey station.
“I’ve always enjoyed trying to go to places that are physically difficult,” he said.
(BBCWorldwide/YouTube)
He had a keen interest in photography too, and combined the two while spending time on and off the Antarctic, monitoring the wildlife for work. It must have been a culture shock to go from working in the UK to one of the coldest places in the world, but Allan is a very laidback chap.
“Even now I try to go somewhere with an open mind and try to take whatever’s there,” he said. “I didn’t really know in a way what to expect in the Antarctic. I was a last-minute replacement for someone with a medical problem.”
Snorkeller films Humpback whale female (Megaptera novaeangliae), Vava’u, Kingdom of Tonga, South Pacific, 2006. Pic: Sue Flood.
It was while living on base on the three miles-by-three miles island, which is visited by 50,000 penguins during the summer, that he first met David Attenborough. The wildlife expert was on the HMS Endurance filming his second show when the navy ship asked to stop at the base where Allan was located.
That was in 1981, when it was incredibly hard to get to the Antarctic. The crew spent a lot of time in the dive store, where Allan was, and so they got to know each other’s work well.
“They were a great bunch and I gave them a hand for the couple of days,” he recalled.
To be quite honest, after talking to them for a couple of days, suddenly I could see that being a wildlife cameraman was a possible job.
The encouraged him, saying that though he had not much filming experience, he took great photographs. “But most importantly, you know the Antarctic and diving in a way that is quite special – this could be your niche.”
(BBCEarth/YouTube)
After this, Allan moved to another part of Antarctica to become a base commander, and used his time there to film the breeding cycle of Emperor penguins. He took the footage to the BBC, who bought it from him and effectively kicked off his broadcasting career.
“We as a species are the biggest influence on the planet so far”
Allan with female chimpanzee Billi at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Uganda. Pic: Sue Flood
Since then, he has become a globe-trotting wildlife photographer who has captured a number of firsts, from killer whales washing seals off ice floes to orcas attacking gray whales. He even had to wait 30 years for footage of polar cubs emerging from their den, and put up with a curious – but deadly – polar bear trying to make its way into his own hut.
Allan looks at his stunning photographs as being more functional than artistic, but they do an incredible job of illustrating life on parts of the planet that billions of us will never reach.
Allan filming seals with white sail for camouflage on location in Lake Baikal, Siberia. April 1989. Pic: Tartan Dragon
“It’s all happened by chance,” said Allan of his incredible career. “When I say to people, ‘you know I’m not competitive’, they go, ‘rubbish, you’re the most competitive person I know’. But I don’t think I am, but I do like getting my teeth into something, and I do like coming up with the goods. I don’t like being directly in competition.”
Though he has been in some dangerous situations, he takes it all in his stride. He knows where the personal space boundary of a polar bear lies, how best to tell if animals are curious or aggressive, and how best to get an animal on side for filming.
(BBCAMericaTV/YouTube)
“What I like working with are mammals,” he said.
The reason with mammals is we are all mammals – when I look out at an audience there are as many shades of character in an audience. It’s exactly the same when you meet a pod of whales or a troupe of monkeys… they all have individual characters – some will be curious, some will be friendly, some will be aggressive, some will be very shy and wary.
For Allan, an enjoyable challenge when filming “is that part of the job is to get on the wavelength of the animal, and recognise what character it is and make your approach, and take you how deal with that animal, take their personality into account, because only by doing that will you get the best out of them”.
“So if you meet an animal that’s shy, they need to take their time to get to know you. You meet an animal that’s aggressive, you might want to avoid at all costs. Or maybe a certain way of not looking at it will calm it down.”
With some animals, like chimpanzees, gorillas, dolphins or toothed whales, they have to be treated “more like an 18-20 month old baby where there’s no verbal communication between you but there’s a whole lot of body language, tone of voice, a whole range of subtle things which some people have and some people don’t have and some people have lost”, said Allan.
(PlasticOceans/YouTube)
He didn’t get into the job just because of the love of animals, but that has changed over time. Today, Allan is a fierce advocate for animals, and his talks don’t just cover what he does for his job, but what humans can do to help save the planet.
“We as a species are the biggest influence on the planet so far,” said Allan, who campaigns against plastic pollution and against drilling in the arctic.
“The more that human beings have impacted on the world, the more we’ve lost the knowledge that we’re actually part of it,” he pointed out.
“Very few humans think of themselves as being part of the ecosystem; they always think of humans and the ecosystem and the two are separate. They’re not, they’re all part of the same thing and if they could just establish that connection, think of things in a natural holistic way, we wouldn’t have the problems we’ve got.”
Filming under arctic ice. Pic: Doug Allan
He has worked in the Arctic for 25 years, which is the location at the forefront of climate change, and so has seen the visible changes global warming has brought to the planet.
“You think 2 degrees centigrade isn’t much, but it is a lot when it goes from -1 to +1, because that’s the melting / freezing point of water. Everything changes when you start to thaw things out. And the Arctic is on that cusp.”
He has also seen a change in the weather systems there, which he describes as “all over the place, the ice is breaking up, rain is coming early, it’s generally a bit of a mess, things are becoming less predictable”.
Allan on location, Kingdom of Tonga, South Pacific, during filming for Planet Earth, Sept 2005.
He advises that we should be looking at the Arctic as it will be in 20 years time, examining very carefully the development there and seeing how we can protect it.
“You can’t talk about the poles without talking about climate change,” summarised Allan.
Looking at his photographs and footage, and the incredible animals and lands that are being impacted by the changes caused by humans, it’s clear that work like his is hugely important.
Doug Allan will speak about Life Behind the Lens during 11 dates around Ireland from 19 September to 4 October. For the full line-up, see his website.
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Personally I think it’s a wonderful idea and would support it 100%.
There would have to be some basic training involved. I know when I faced a dilemma recently there was one person that was saying all the wrong things and another that just said one sentence that snapped me out of what was upsetting me and sent me in the right direction. And even put me into the right frame of mind to face the event that I had to attend so that I got through it without any problem.
There are some short training courses out there already on suicide intervention and prevention eg ASIST training. http://www.nosp.ie/html/training.html I just did my refresher course recently. And I also have another short training course coming up in mental health this month.
I have intervened where someone was suicidal. It required time and listening skills. I am a trained Life Coach as well which gives me some training in correct listening. But when it comes to any serious issues there needs to be trained therapists involved as you can end up taking on other people’s trauma if you have not been trained in how to protect yourself. So the key would be to have some good places or helplines to send the person to eg http://www.1life.ie/ suicide help line.
But there is a lot of misinformation that is spread to people about what may be wrong with a person eg the chemical imbalance theory has never been proven and the idea that “anti-depressants” rebalance neurotransmitters is a myth. Something I sadly learned through experience and well as through my research over the past 2 years.
I have just finished “A Day called Hope” by Gareth O’Callaghan which chronicles his recovery from Depression. While I had to overlook some of the stuff written about “anti-depressants” and remembering that this book was written 10 years ago, Gareth gives a good insight into how he recovers. Through diet, exercise, talk therapy etc And the root cause of his major depression is also obvious. Sometimes it is these root causes that need to be addressed before we can move forward.
[Never stop or change prescribed psychoactive drugs without talking to a good expert in the field, due to the dangers of withdrawal]
It’s a fantastic idea
Good idea.
I’d probably end up talking to myself in the mirror.
Lost a friend to suicide last Sunday, so yes brilliant idea and will happily wear a pin.
sorry for your loss. SOSAD does free counseling to people affected by suicide if your near them. sosadireland.ie they’ve been very good to me
I am sorry Norman, and for his people , if there were any.
As someone who works in the mental health profession, I think this is a wonderful idea. It would offer a show of support to people who largely feel isolated.
Yes I would. Been there, needed someone who could understand what was going on in my head.
Great idea.
Great idea. Not for me though unfortunately as I have a tendency to interrupt and give advice before someone has had a chance to finish explaining a problem.
And therein lies the reason this isn’t a particularly good idea. It is incredibly difficult to admit you have such issues, it took me almost 20 years to do so. That moment you make the admission is one of the vulnerable moments of your life, and what advice you are offered or what is said to you can literally make or break you. Unless everyone who wears these pins is also told to say precious little beyond “go to you doctor” and is able to reassure them there is no shame or embarrassment in talking to a doctor, then this idea could be counterproductive. Just because I am willing to talk to someone all about their mental health problems doesn’t necessarily mean that I should.
Great awareness Declan, now that you know you can work on it!
See this is the problem. People are suffering for years in silence. Is it not better to open up to anyone, rather than suffering the burden in silence?
Of course it is Niamh, but people open up either when they are ready to, when they feel they genuinely have to (can’t go on like this) or sometimes unfortunately, not at all. Seeing someone wearing a pin will not encourage people to open up about their problems – that will come from within and nowhere else. For anyone who is suffering in silence and can’t open up to anyone, they can open up to the Samaritans, or do so anonymously online. If we’re talking depression or something similar, you just want to disappear, when you’re out and about you are so nervous and self conscious – would someone in this state approach a stranger and unburden just because they saw a pin on a lapel? Getting people to admit they have problems is a big deal, don’t get me wrong. But it is still just the very first step, and a step they must make themselves.
Whether or not someone will open up is irrelevant in my opinion. To me, someone wearing the pin says “I’m aware that some suffer from mental health issues, it’s nothing to be ashamed of, I’m here if you need me”. Even that is a comfort.
You are basing your opinion on your experience which is perfectly normal. However, you can’t imagine that every single person who has mental health issues or even just personal worries feels exactly the same way as you do/did? Everyone is different and if it can help a small percentage of people to open up, then it’s a step forward.
I think the willingness of someone to find a pin and wear it in the first place shows a certain caring and thoughtful nature and will (hopefully) encourage someone in need to look at that person as someone they can potentially go to if they need to.
Silent,
Your comments make perfect sense, I seriously doubt if anyone suffering will approach a stranger but if they knew of someone in their social group including work, perhaps it might encourage them to talk. I work with people who suffer from PTSD often that initial conversation encourages them to take the next step.
People wearing the pin should be listeners not problem solvers who can direct sufferers to the experts and simply stay in contact.
That took courage to admit that to yourself and others.
Proper order… these are difficult times for everyone. .we need to reach out to each other. .. Peace
Wear a pin!!! I’d wear a power puff girls costume. Great initiative .
Great idea. Even if it only helps one person it’s well worth it.
Absofeckinlutely
Definitely, great idea
As someone who has a lost a brother to suicide I think this is a marvellous idea. I already engage people periodically about their mental well being and I would wear this ring proudly. Again well done.i personally think it could make a difference.
Great idea. As someone currently suffering from pnd I think this is a really nice idea. Great way to showvyour support. Id be proud to wear it.
Well said Caroline and brave to admit same.
i hope you are ok. i had it four years ago. what a dreadful experience. Xxx
Thank u x
Thank you. Its a cliche but talking helps!
Great idea
In a heartbeat, sign me up.
I think it’s a great idea. Sometimes people with mental illness need to talk quite badly and may need a friendly face. Sure anything that helps or shows solidarity is a good thing IMO.
Now that’s decisive!! i like that.
What a fantastic idea! I would certainly wear one, the greatest difficulty for people suffering mental health issues is the fear that they will be ostracised and or misunderstood, and the majority of the time they don’t need advise or to be told what to do, they just need someone to listen. Take it from someone who has been there!
Fantastic idea. Subtle yet powerful. A simple gesture that could mean so much. You have my vote!
Great idea look forward to buying something from them.
Yes definitely :-)
:-(
Great idea, if nothing else but just to promote awareness and hopefully help those going through dark times feel a little less alone.
What a great idea….it’s about time we get rid of the stigma surrounding mental health
Yeah!!!!! Be gone stigma!!!!1
As a person with my own mental health issues I’m not sure I would approach a complete stranger. However a colleague, friend, family member etc. wearing one might encourage some to open up. People wearing a pin should be aware of their own limitations and not make matters worse. Perhaps if they also carried a card with phone nos. etc?
Now we’re suckin diesel!!!
Brilliant idea
Pure Genius!!!!
It’s a good idea. Endangered by people who will just get one to look cool do
Abso-friggin-lutely, I’d wear one of these. I already get so much joy from helping friends, this would be a great opportunity to let the open world know that it’s grand to talk to so many people out there. Sign me up already!
Marvellous ! Good on ye lads…
Have random nutters walk up to me on the street babbling about their first world problems? No thanks.
Do you tar all people with mental health issues as ‘nutters’? No wonder there’s a still a stigma in Ireland with muppets like you posting ridiculous comments like this.
Jeremy, ( clearly not your real name) I feel more saddened than angry at your glib and extremely ignorant comment. I only hope you will someday grow up!
Ah, there’s not really a stigma anymore. Sure I heard that being a loola is all the rage now.
But don’t you do that for a living?
@Celia Murphy, you will always gets low-lifes on here wasting space with their idiotic remarks.
ignore these clowns and just lets get on with the effort that good people are making , to offer some sort of help to those who will , believe me, appreciate it in the long run.
This groupthink nonsense is not going to help anyone except maybe the people who are peddling it and definitely the pharma companies who will happily sell drugs to all of you people who think that your natural reactions to living in a cesspool of a world are a “mental health problem”.
Brilliant idea with so much potential..
People wanting to help others can show it and be prepared to be approached
AND it gives nothing but confidence to a vulnerable person wanting to talk to somebody
Win-win really!
Totally agree with the previous comment, hopefully it wouldn’t turn into a fashion statement :/
Considering the rate of suicide/suffering in this country I’m optimistic people would take it seriously though!
Hug for Life? sounds hilarious ;) Like something out of the Day Today.
Must get cracking on my line of jewelry for heroin addicts.
You’re a moron. Grow up. Its not a funny topic.
Your a sheep . wake up . Learn to think for yourself .
I think what ppl like about this idea is that its a way of saying we get how serious mental health problems are. We get that it doesnt mean you are ‘nuts’ or ‘defective’.
Personally I would wear it for that reason. Im no authority on mental health and while Id be happy for someone to approach me with acproblem, wearing the pin doesn’t mean I can fix u, it means I wont judge u.
Great idea. Anything to raise awareness is very welcome and I would certainly wear a pin
And what else?
Love your name Pearce
Very witty.
Thanks
It’s a good idea.
I would wear one, don’t know if I’d be any good advice wise, the Samaritans turned me down as a volunteer – fact.
At least you tried Molly.
I did Jenster, went through the training and all.
They said that I would be a risky choice, whatever that means.
Perhaps like myself you’d take things a bit more personally… Hard not to when you hear what’s going on. It takes a very particular type of person and a calling to do that job… You need to switch off. Not sure I could. No criticism by the way. Very admiral you tried …..
That may very well be so Jenster.
Being a suicide survivor myself (hate the term failed suicide, very fatalistic) may have been an issue, you know too close to home etc.,
All I wanted to do was help
Molly we had a suicide in our own family. Tragedy doesn’t describe it. The impact is shocking. Thank god you are still here. It’s not a failure. In any shape or form. You are still here for a reason. Never forget that.
Maybe they were bad Samaritans.
Pearce
There is never a bad Samaritan
Jenster, the thing is people who are suicidal only want out.
I am sorry for your loss, truly, from the deepest depth of my heart.
Sometimes, you just want the game to end.
Molly, the game you refer to is only played by a minority in society. The rest of us would never behave so distastefully. The majority of us have such huge respect for each other, and life itself, as to never describe it as a game. It’s only a minority who think that way. I’m guessing that you’re tired of those minorities treating life as a twisted game, while it could be so much more than that.
Dhakina, seeing as you have such a high regard for society, would you please tell me the last time you tried/succeeded to help anyone, apart from yourself
Also Dhakina it is because of people like you, the great intolerant, that the stigma persists
Definitely would. Great idea!
Great idea and well done for taking the initiative. I’d definitely support it.
Like a pushup bra?
There isn’t enough help. That’s a known fact. If people know they can talk to someone and know where to go, this might solve one of the problems. Great idea.
You talk about people needing to know where to go but what pharmacy would you send them to?
I think the idea behind this initiative is definitely well intended, and it is certainly great to show support for those with mental health difficulties and to show that it’s totally okay to talk to someone about those difficulties. But I do share concerns mentioned by others. Such pins could raise expectations as to what a wearer can offer. There is a difference between listening and providing evidenced-based, expert help. People need to be signposted to their GP, or A&E if in crisis (especially out of hours) or to established services with trained listeners (Samaritans, 1life, see yourmentalhealth.ie for more). It can be very risky for untrained lay individuals to attempt to provide advice or solve problems, and it is easy to find yourself in over your head, especially when the difficulties are complex. Indeed, a central part of professional training is learning to recognise the limits of your own competence and direct those in need to appropriate supports. Bear in mind that mental health professionals never work in isolation; there is always a team or supervision available to them, which simply isn’t available for untrained lay listeners.
Wouldn’t it be easier just to drug the entire nation?
@ Pearce: Who’s talking about drugging the nation? I’m talking about accessing appropriate support from trained professionals which includes listening services and talking therapies. Talking therapies are in most cases accessed via a GP. That many people don’t realise this is clearly a problem. Presenting to A&E in crisis will enable an individual to access a range of psychiatric, psychological, and counselling services. The medical setting does not necessarily equate to medical management, depending on the needs of the individual. This kind of misinterpretation is why I would have reservations about the pins.
Why are you not talking about the the health of society? Why are you not talking about a society which is becoming more and more hostile to human well-being? Why not talk about the greed and corruption? The erosion of personal freedom and democracy. The massive social inequality. The destruction of heritage and community. The effects of media such as shows like X-factor where people watch other people being sneered at and belittled. Why not talk about the effect of the cult of celebrity and the fashion industry on people and their expectations of themselves? Or the culture of constant fear being propagated by the media. What about the sexualization of children? What about technology , the blistering rate of change and our ability to handle it? What about our ever increasing detachment from the natural world and our absolute immersion in a soulless culture of consumerism? What about a food supply which is becoming ever increasingly controlled by corporations and polluted with toxins and chemicals? what about the Fluoride in our drinking water? Ask yourself – In a society such as this, is it not completely natural to feel despair, distress, anger, confusion, hopelessness etc?
Should we not be dealing with the causes instead of the symptoms? There has been a mantra like media obsession with mental health now for about 4 years. I’ve been paying very close attention to it. Never in any television or radio discussion, newspaper article or internet discussion such as this, has there been any discussion of the profound ill-health of society. Does that not strike you as strange? Is there not an inextricable link between societal health and mental health? ? Or do mental health problems arise and exist in a Vacum? Unless you people start getting real and talking about society then this is all one big circle-jerk and you people are just useful idiots in a campaign which is most likely backed by the pharma industry for the purpose of getting as many people as possible dependent on their drugs. Wake up!!!!!
@Pearse, I do like your name btw.
I’ve been around for quite some time, seen things, heard things experienced things most people would be horrified by.
One thing I have deduced is that society has improved, it has become more open to discussion particularly since the advent of the internet.
I grew up in east London, now that was a place highly intolerant particularly to those of Irish heritage.
Always remember, humans are flawed beings and as such form flawed societies.
Don’t attempt to trump me with lines like the opening line of your comment. It won’t wash with me. We’ve all had our experiences.
Some aspects of society may have improved, some may have disimproved that does not change the fact that we are living in a world which is profoundly sick and, for the most part, run by psychopaths. I know humans are flawed but we are allowing the most flawed of us to drag the rest of us down. I don’t agree that society has become more open to discussion. I believe people are coming more and more under the control of the media/state and they think less and less for themselves. What passes for “discussion” is often people falling in to line with what ever politically correct agenda has been passed down from on high and trotting out prescribed wisdoms. Just because there’s a load of chatter going on, it does not mean that much of it is meaningful discussion.
No ‘trumping’ intended, just sharing with you an observation I made, apologies for offending you.
I disagree with your psychopath observation, Psychopaths are very often self destructive, I believe that they are sociopaths (very astute and cunning creatures) and people are more often than not tricked into placing them in key positions of power. That can be rectified, it takes time ‘tho.
People like to follow each other akin to sheep or cattle, some are intelligent, some are not, such is the nature of the beast. Hence, that is why Facebook, twitter et all., are so popular.
Every now and again you will find amongst all the chatter very interesting discussions and observations and it is from these that we learn and grow intellectually.
They already do that with fluoride.
They already do that, with Fluoride. :-)
I know. I’ve heard snippets of talk about adding lithium to the water also, so that we can be completely enfeebled.
You may find this interesting. As it progresses, it expresses very effectively what I have been trying to say about the world. Particularly at about 30:000 on. http://www.redicecreations.com/radio/2013/12/RIR-131206.php
I have these concerns too. So many of us are lonely, orphans, bereaved etc. and have those issues and would love to talk and talk to a sympathetic ear. That is one thing.
Where there is anything approaching a mental problem of any other proportion then listening may be nowhere near enough and professional help is the way to go. Well meaning folk could actually cause more harm than good. Please do not be angry as it seems that I am not supportive. It is the opposite. Support must be useful not just well intentioned.
I am for the idea of showing public support but, do you mean when shopping someone sees pin and asks for a chat then or appointments could be asked for or what?
I would also like to see this level of support for epileptic, asthmatics, and disabled, old people too. All could be included in this generic phrasing of a person needing a bit of company, someone to talk to.
Invitations to and help getting to and from a group that would suit them and make a difference in lives, something to look forward to.
Exactly, and I share those concerns too.
Exactly.
As someone how has battled up and down over the past 10 years with Anxiety and Panic attacks and Depression I think this is a fantastic idea and I would back it 100%. At the start I found it extremely hard to open up and talk to people about my illness but Thank God I did because having an open ear was the start of me excepting that this is an illness which has to be treated like all others and by talking about it helps with the stigma attached to mental health.
Ive just started dealing with my own illness Gillian and I completely agree. Anythingvthat goes towards removing a stigma can’t be a bad thing.
I think more small groups up and down the country are a safer environment for all. If people could talk earlier, share, discuss (with the professional at the helm) perhaps developing into worse depression and suicide attempts may be prevented as help should not be offered as an emergency only.
great idea
Yeah!! It’s up there with the Lightbulb and poop-scooper!
Can nobody see that this is all nonsense and will help no one ?
You can’t say that!!! How dare you. What kind of monster are you? Have you no conscience? I hope you are never touched by a mental elf (problem). What kind of example do you think you’re setting for the young people? If you have a problem with all of this, you don’t have to be on here reading it and making your poisonous remarks. Have you no shame? What kind of person are you? I feel sorry for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!! How do you sleep at night? Damn!!!!! You’ve filled me with righteous indignation. I’m going to have to take a Valium and maybe a couple of Prozac just to calm down.
Great idea….that, unfortunately will not work in the real world….mental health is a serious issue that should be dealt with by people who know what they are doing ……and not by the well-intentioned “the road to perdition..” being paved with good intentions …….while it is a noble idea, the reality is that most people would not be interested in having strangers approach them to discuss their problems…..
I would be seriously worried that this idea would only serve to reinforce the “nutter walking up to a complete stranger” stigma/stereotype mentioned above…….
What really needs to change is the culture of the country…..education, education, education….teach our kids, not just those with mental health issues, that:
1. it is acceptable to talk about your problems
2. it doesn’t make you less of a person if you have these problems
3. asking for help (appropriate help) isn’t a sign of weakness but of strength
4. Medication is the answer.
Can anyone else not see that this is nonsense and will help nobody ?
Fine Aham, don’t partake so
Fine Jenster just don’t read my comments if you don’t like them
I Agree. Only people who agree should be on here saying anything.
You should not be making those comments if you are not willing get in to line.
Is participation in the groupthink mandatory then?
id wear one alright.
would ya now? Well aren’t you great!!!!
Is there a pin to indicate that while I think it’s good to talk to someone about your problems, that someone should absolutely not be me?
That’s a fantastic idea, then people suffering from depression won’t feel so alone
Eye was once a shiny spoon reflecting a bad moon. Eye used to stay in bed till noon. Eye would fart on my own ass reflection. Eastenders would give me an erection. Eye would shake and shudder like a laughing cow’s udder. But unlike the cow, Eye was not laughing. Inside, Eye was scrunching up. But unlike a child’s face that scrunches up with delighted laughter, Eye was not scrunching up like a child’s face with delighted laughter. Eye was lost on an ocean of tumult. I was heavily involved in the occult. Eye knew Eye had a problem with mine mental elf but the length and girth of mine stigmata made me clam up like a clam. Eye was sworn to silence under threat of violence from the strong arm of my own self-harm. But then Eye discovered cocaine and in no time Eye was like the two guys in the Barry’s tea advert. Eye was “all talk”. Talking helped me fix mine mental elf and now, thank BOB, I am normalized again. So will I wear a pin? Well, did Hitler not prove that all it takes is one little pr*ck to frog march a nation in to totalitarianism?
This is well intentioned but mental health issues is a term that covers a wide range of conditions. I personally would never open up to a stranger and I wouldn’t expect to be able to help a stranger who opened up to me beyond pointing them in the direction if those who know what they are doing.
You don’t know what the persons issue is.you don’t know their triggers . You can’t hand them platitudes or patronizing comments. None of those work. What do you then? Walk away? Exchange numbers? I don’t think this pin is a good idea.
Mental illness is an illness. You wouldn’t expect a stranger on a train to help cure your cancer . The same is true for bipolar disorder depression panic attacks and many others. Let’s not minimize mental health conditions .Let’s recognise that they are serious conditions.
There’s already a green ribbon for this
There’s an App for that!
pppppppppppppp
People who are suicidal need change in their lives, not looking for out as someone commented there. Its not nessessarily just depressed people who can be suicidal, you can be just so tired of living with an ilness that has changed you, like say a brain injury. I think the pin is a good idea because I actually do have suicide training. Before I had the training, people have come up to me out of the blue and told me they are suicidal. One fella I talked out of going into the liffey, I hadnt a clue what to do so I listened to him and gave him a big hug and told him where the samaritans office was. He had camed down and was going to go home. I was with him quite a while. When I got back to my studio I cried with the shock of it and I hope to this day hes ok. Work got me suicide training then and that was great, its just like having first aid.. knowing what to do.
Another person commented about it being good news for pharmaceutical companies… thats just silly. While medication can indeed help people the real recovery is in learning coping skills and talking to people who care be it proffesionals or trusted family and friends.
Not silly at all. Pharmaceutical companies have the ability to eradicate quite a number of illnesses but choose to sell a maintenance program instead in order to make as much money from your predicament while you continue to to suffer.
I think it’s a good idea,because it could show the suffer that people have some under standing of what their going through. That they won’t laugh or judge about it and that they are on these side. And the more people that do that the suffer might find it easier to get help from a doctor knowing they have a lot of people supporting them and their illness.
Anything that would help highlight the plague in our country is a good idea
Typical Bullshit…..I would wear a pin to state that I would be willing to listen to any person needing help or comfort.
So enough of this rubbish about one single issue.
Great Idea!
Well Done.
Sure I will talk about your mental health as long as you listen about mine.
Ok. I tell you what. you go first.
Does anyone want a biscuit ? they’re chocolate digestives ? ?
Don’t see any Mental Health professionals wearing pins to show they are really concerned enough to listen.
I don’t want to see the Shrink st 3:00
maybe there’s nothing wrong with me!
at 3:00
Sounds like a good idea but perhaps a little training in suicide prevention would be an asset…..
Brilliant idea :)
Sign me up. Been there got the t shirt. We can but try, even if it’s to point someone to Aware r similar. All it’s saying is ur open to talk which is all sone people need. We have to try everything to cut all d suicides
Fantastic idea :)
Another story about mental health? I haven’t seen one of them on The Journal in… oh… it must be days.
Let me preface my comment by saying, I have four family members who decided to end their life. So I do not make comments lightly. Some of these were bad decisions while others, it could be argued, may have been the only real alternative. What might be worth considering before one attempts to take this action is, you are going nowhere except dispersing back anonymously into the vast energy from whence you came but you will know nothing of it and that will be the end of everything you are currently aware of. So I intend to stick around and only consider going when I am physically unfit and totally dependent on others for my personal needs.
Ethan, hope you are alright yourself for all that grief is so very hard to cope with. I am so sorry to hear of your family losses.
Let me prefaced comment by saying…. I have four close family who decided to end their life.
have your say