Tipperary teenagers honoured for getting creative with mental health

Tipperary students were honoured for getting creative with mental health at an award ceremony in Dublin recently.

Over 1,500 Irish students drew and photographed what mental health means to them following a call for entries into Mental Health Ireland’s art and photography competition.

Loreto Secondary School, Clonmel, student Ceolla Dillon O’Rourke won the CEO’s Choice award. Ceolla’s painting of her little brother will appear in Mental Health Ireland’s 2019 calendar.

St. Anne’s Secondary School, Tipperary Town, student Danielle Ryan and Rockwell College’s Elaine Graves received Highly Commended awards.

St. Anne’s student Danielle Ryan received a Highly Commended award.

Issues including anxiety, stress and depression can be difficult for teenagers to talk about. Feedback from teachers and students underlined the competition's importance in opening up a space for students to think about their own mental health and those around them.

“Young people in Ireland have taken a great interest in mental health and this is very obvious from the entries we have received this year. They are not just interested in their own mental health but show interest in supporting others. This competition creates a platform for discussion that provokes and evokes a deeper conversation,” CEO of Mental Health Ireland, Martin Rogan, said.

“The standard of work received was at a very high level in both categories and we were delighted to host our exhibition in Dublin City Council to showcase the top 45 entries from all over Ireland,” he added.

Mental Health Ireland had the support of esteemed artist Lisa Butterly in selecting the winning entries for art and support from Rosaleen Heavin for photography.

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