The Aftermath




Is Your Head Pure Fried

Although the Troubles ended twenty years ago, many are still burdened with thoughts, images, loved ones lost and many other trauma-related issues. Worse than just the issue they hold, people are not able to express their fear, anger and sadness from the Troubles because if they admit involvement, even to a priest, social worker, counselor, etc. that provider is mandated to alert authorities. This creates an environment where people are walking around with trauma, shame and depression on their back, unable to disclose whatever they need to get off of their conscious.

This picture represents a call to everyone needing a mental health provider. "Is your head pure fried?" is asking if your mind has too much going on, too much burden, too much anxiety. This was not the only mental health advertisement we saw while in Norther Ireland - there were many organizations, non-profits and health providers focused on mental health, particularly as it relates to the Troubles and the aftermath. The Northern Ireland Study of Health and Stress (NISHS), part of the World Mental Health (WMH) Surveys, concluded that The Troubles had a significant negative impact on Northern Ireland including mental health issues like Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal behavior (Ferry et al., 2017). From our visits with mental health providers, it seemed that there was a need much greater than what Northern Ireland can provide for mental health treatment. Again, it seems that marginalization and inequality are playing a role here with many ignoring the mental health issues that are widespread in Northern Ireland. Many providers see the need though, and are seeking more funding and better mental health treatment for Northern Ireland.

Ferry, F., Ennis, E., Bunting, B., Murphy, S., Bolton, D., & O'Neill, S. (2017). Exposure to Trauma and Mental Health Service Engagement Among Adults Who Were Children of the Northern Ireland Troubles of 1968 to 1998. Journal Of Traumatic Stress, (6), 593. doi:10.1002/jts.22237

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