Welcome to Let's Talk Lads

Hi, I'm John. I'm glad you're here. I'm a husband and father to two amazing children, and like millions of others, I face challenges with my mental health.

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I founded Let's Talk Lads because I believe that opening up about our struggles is one of the hardest yet most important things we can do. We often discuss topics like football, cars, politics, and travel, but there's often an unspoken subject—the elephant in the room—that we avoid. It's the one topic that, if brought up, might change the mood or lead to feelings of judgment from friends and family. I've been there, and I understand how difficult it can be. However, I've also found that when I start talking about my mental health, others feel encouraged to share their stories too. They open up, and we begin to talk.

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In Ireland, there were 504 deaths by suicide in 2020, 449 in 2021, and 436 in 2022.

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In Donegal, between 2008 and 2022, there were 201 deaths by suicide—152 males and 49 females.

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These statistics highlight the critical need for open conversations about mental health. While resources exist, they are often stretched thin, making it feel like an epidemic.

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To address this, I've created a free, confidential forum where we can talk. You don't even need to use your real name or location. Join the conversation, see what others are saying, and find information that might help. I'll also share helpful insights on the website and through blogs.

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Will you join us? What do you have to lose? Because mental health... starts with a conversation.