While the stigma of mental illness hasn’t disappeared completely in this country, Irish society has come a long way in recent years when in comes to open discussions about the struggles that people may face.Â
Helped by the historic Marriage Referendum of 2015, young people dealing with issues of sexuality now have a lot more support than they would have had even five or ten years ago. This is a journey which has been faced by Dublin GAA star Nicole Owens who has spoken previously of her own battle with depression how she came to terms with her sexuality as a teenager. Â
The 25-year-old All-Ireland winner appeared on The Ray D’Arcy Show last night and spoke candidly about her struggles as well as offering sage advice to youngsters who may be facing similar battles in their own lives. People were hugely impressed by how Nicole spoke with honesty and openness and if you missed the show you can catch a small bit in the snippet below or watch the whole thing on RTÉ Player.
Given my own ongoing battle, it was brilliant to see Dublin Ladies Senior Football star Nicole Owens speak about her own battle with depression and being an ambassador for Darkness Into Light on the Ray D’Arcy show there. A real role model, well done Nicole ???????? pic.twitter.com/gK2T2byhmv
— Hill 16 Army (@Hill16Army) May 5, 2018
Great seeing Nicole Owens on the Ray D’arcy show speaking about her battle with depression a brilliant ambassador for ladies football and the GAA itself. #dublingaa
— Tadhg Stone (@TadhgStone) May 5, 2018
@RTERayDarcyShow wow #nicoleOwens is so articulate. Fantastic advocate and role model for young #LGBTI people suffering from anxiety and depression.
— Ann Marie Part (@PartAnnMarie) May 5, 2018
#raydarcyshow the Dublin ladies footballer Nicole Owens is an inspiration to so many young people talking about subjects that not everyone is comfortable talking about well done Nicole.
— Home and Away (@homeandaway_88) May 5, 2018
Nicole Owens is an inspirational woman both on the GAA field and in the walk of life. Naturally beautiful, modest, honest. #lgbt @raydarcy #gaawomen pic.twitter.com/5K0ODRZJ2F
— Kathleen O’Callaghan (@katziggy) May 5, 2018
Very well done to #NicoleOwens on her interview on the #raydarcyshow. An inspiration to the next generation.
— Liam Murphy (@LiamgMurphy) May 5, 2018
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