Reading through this week’s edition of Irish Country Living, it struck me how many times the theme of minding your mental health came up across various articles, from the health pages to property.

This was not planned, but I think it is so positive that we are talking about mental wellness as an intrinsic part of all our lives. It does not discriminate; I know that first hand.

It was around this time five years ago that I found myself wheeled into A&E by my husband, after I took a very strange and sudden “turn” at home, leaving me unable to talk or walk, my heart racing and fighting for breath.

I actually thought I was having a severe allergic reaction and that I was going to die.

Luckily, the doctor on duty quickly recognised the symptoms as those of a panic attack and after a few hours of scans to make sure everything was okay, I was sent home.

Before that night I could never have imagined how crippling a panic attack could be; or that something like that would ever happen to me.

But when I looked back over the months and weeks leading up to that night it was clear that I was putting myself under a lot of pressure and this was my body’s way of giving me a wake-up call to slow down and take care of myself.

I remember reading a quote afterwards that a panic attack was not a sign of weakness, but “a sign of trying to remain strong for far too long”. There is a lot of truth in that.

So that was the start of my journey of supporting myself in all sorts of ways, from taking up running and reflexology, to seeking cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) to help manage my tendency towards anxious thinking.

It has not always been easy, but I know that I am stronger for the experience and have learned so many skills that will stand to me for the rest of my life.

I also know that I am lucky to be able to access great support and would encourage anybody who may be struggling to reach out for help or to talk to a loved one, because as lonely as it might feel at times, you are never alone.

That’s why it’s great to see the return of the Talk & Walk events as part of the Green Ribbon campaign for May in association with IFA, See Change, Coillte and Mental Health Ireland (details on page 17).

Taking steps to mind our mental health should be just like getting our five-a-day, and spending time in nature and with our community are two of the healthiest things we can all do.

So why not get involved in a walk near you? See https://seechange.ie/green-ribbon/ for further information.

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