'It can feel intensely lonely' - MEP Aodhan O Riordain opens up about mental health struggles

Politician Mr. Ó Ríordáin openly discussed his struggles with mental health on Newstalk, revealing that a series of negative events and a bereavement made life particularly challenging for him. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging such struggles, stating that many people experience similar feelings of loneliness and failure during difficult times. He noted that while his role as an MEP provided a distraction from personal issues, transitioning from work back to personal life was often tough, highlighting the internal battle many face with mental health.

"A number of changes, negative ones, and then there was a bereavement in there, as well. All came together, and I found myself in a very, very difficult position."

"What I've learned through my experience is that thousands of people go through it. It can feel intensely lonely if you're going through something which is particularly dark in your life, and you can feel like you're a bit of a failure."

Read at Irish Independent