Getting a handle on depression

A Sixmilebridge priest has urged anyone who has been directly or indirectly affected by depression to attend a talk being delivered by a local expert.

Fr Harry Bohan believes Limerick-based psychotherapist and author, Dr Terry Lynch, will provide some invaluable insight on how people suffering from depression can learn to cope with this debilitating condition.

The former Clare hurling manager was delighted to secure the services of Dr Lynch to kick-start the latest series of Lenten Talks organised by the local Meaning To Life Group.

Dr Terry Lynch will discuss depression in Sixmilebridge Parish Church on Tuesday, March 5 at 8pm.

The following week, singer Fr Liam Lawton will discuss the spiritual dimension of life with music on Tuesday, March 12 at 8pm and this series of Lenten Talks concludes with Dr Fiona Shanahan on Tuesday, March 19 at 8pm, on building resilience in young people.
She has an intriguing story to tell about her first-hand experience of reintegrating young teenagers, mostly young girls, in Ugandan society who were conscripted into the army.

Dr Lynch believes the more people understand depression, the better equipped they can be to deal with it.
“Like all aspects of emotional and mental health, depression is everybody’s business. Depression is a common human experience that can affect anyone. This talk is for anyone who is interested in knowing more about depression. Audience participation is welcome,” he said.

Dr Lynch has had a major interest in emotional and mental health for over two decades. He is the author of Beyond Prozac: Healing Mental Distress and Selfhood: A Key to the Recovery of Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health. His next book Depression: What Exactly is it?  Depression Explained in Plain English will be published in autumn.