HEALTH Mayo libraries do their bit for mental health

Mayo libraries do their bit for mental health


In 2001, the World Health Organisation reported that 5 percent of the population [of Europe] suffered from serious diagnosable mental illness, while a staggering one in five are affected by more general mental health problems. This figure is unlikely to have fallen, especially in light of the recession and the new set of difficulties now facing individuals and families.
Given the prevalence of mental health problems, it is surprising that the significant taboo attached to them persists. However, the simple presence of books relating to mental health issues in a public library, available and accessible to all, can help reduce this stigma and raise awareness of such issues in the public mind. With this in mind, the HSE and Mayo County Library established Mayo Healthy Reading Scheme in 2009.
Have you ever stepped in to a bookshop or a library looking for information on depression, anxiety, parenting problems, relationship stress or bereavement only to be confronted with a confusing array of titles? The idea of trying to sift through them all and decide which one is the best for you can seem daunting, if not impossible – and can even add to your feelings of despair.
The Mayo Healthy Reading Scheme is designed to guide people, to help them choose the right self-help book, which can then be used on their own or in tandem with suggestions for treatment made by a health professional where necessary.
The books in the Mayo Healthy Reading Scheme have been recommended by health professionals to assist with a variety of emotional or psychological problems – those mentioned above and more, including eating disorders, self-esteem, post-traumatic stress and sexual problems. This means that readers can be confident that they are high quality and relevant. The list of books is provided to individuals both through the healthcare system and through the library service, and all of the titles are available for loan at your local library.
Titles include ‘Overcoming Anxiety’, ‘I Had A Black Dog: His Name Was Depression’, ‘Simple Steps To Develop Self-Reliance And Perseverance’, ‘How To Stop Worrying’, ‘Bringing Up Responsible Children’, ‘How To Talk So Kids Will Listen And Listen So Kids Will Talk’.
Books can bring comfort, soothe a stressed mind, show that there’s light at the end of a tunnel, prove that you’re not alone. In short, they can help. Take the time to visit a library to find out more – it could help you start a new, less difficult chapter in your life.