Depression – The Silent Killer

Veteran Sinn Féin Republican Youth activist, and recently elected QUB Sinn Féin Vice-Chair, Deaglan McConville, writes to mark the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week.

Sinn Féin Republican Youth Béal Feirste activists completing the PIPS suicide awareness & prevention course back in 2013.

“We live in a world where if you break your arm, everyone runs over to sign your cast. But if you tell people you’re depressed, everyone runs the opposite direction. We are so, so, so accepting of any body part breaking down, apart from our brains. And that’s ignorance. That’s pure ignorance. And that ignorance has created a world that doesn’t understand depression; that doesn’t understand mental health”. Social media images are a powerful tool, a tool that can be used to spread important messages – but this is the most poignant message I’ve seen in a long time.

1 in 3 people will suffer from mental illness at one point in our lives. 1 in 3. In a family of 6, 2 of you are likely to suffer at one point. So why is there such a stigma surrounding mental health? Why, in a world of growing understanding and acceptance of cultures, traditions and practices, is mental health still such a taboo? Why are there still such a stigma attached to victims of mental illness.

People don’t seem to grasp the idea that depression ISN’T simply crying all day, every day. Depression ISN’T constant sadness 24 hours a day with which you frown 24 hours a day. Depression ISN’T dressing in black, with long black hair covering your eyes to block out the world. Depression is the constant feeling of numbness – numb to emotion, numb to excitement, numb to motivation. You wake up in the morning just to go back to bed. Days aren’t really days, just annoying obstacles that need to be faced. And people face them in many different ways – through medication, through drinking, through taking drugs. Some people don’t do any of these. Some people simply cling onto their thoughts. Thoughts that cripple you. Thoughts that drain you of all motivation to do anything. Lack of self-esteem, confidence and self-worth. Thoughts that people’s lives aren’t really affected by your presence. Thoughts of loneliness, desperation and self-loathing. And crucially, thoughts that can be so easily disguised with a smile and a flick of the hair. Sometimes, depression is good grades; it’s the boy who is always willing to lend a hand, the girl who is always willing to lend her stuff.

Education is key. In our education system, kids are taught math, religion, languages. Yet our education ignores some of the most important aspects of life and growing up. Why are kids not given a proper sexual education? Why are kids not given education on managing finances and taxes? Why the hell in this bloody morally corrupt society are kids not taught how to spot the signs of depression, how to support any victim of mental illnesses, and of professional groups to treat victims? Victims of an illness that is so fundamentally embedded and common in our society. Why do our governments continue to give tax breaks to multi-billion pound corporations whilst in the north of Ireland there is next to no governmental organisations to support victims of mental health because we “can’t afford them”. We have Lifeline, we have PIPS, we have the Suicide Awareness Support Group – all non-governmental organisations that depend on sponsorship and donations from the poorest in our society. Why, why, WHY? There are too many people dying on their knees whilst people are ignoring the problem.

The best way to combat this illness is to educate and raise awareness of the tell-tale signs of such illnesses. Any one of your friends or family could be suffering, and it could be the ones you least expect it off. Look out for these signs of depression –

Psychological symptoms include:
• continuous low mood or sadness
• feeling hopeless and helpless
• having low self-esteem
• feeling tearful
• feeling guilt-ridden
• feeling irritable and intolerant of others
• having no motivation or interest in things
• finding it difficult to make decisions
• not getting any enjoyment out of life
• feeling anxious or worried
• having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself

Physical symptoms include:
• moving or speaking more slowly than usual
• change in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased)
•constipation
• unexplained aches and pains
• lack of energy or lack of interest in sex (loss of libido)
• changes to your menstrual cycle
• disturbed sleep (for example, finding it hard to fall asleep at night or waking up very early in the morning)

Social symptoms include:
• not doing well at work
• taking part in fewer social activities and avoiding contact with friends
• neglecting your hobbies and interests
• having difficulties in your home and family life.

It is only once we can recognise depression that we can begin to understand depression. It is only once we can understand depression that we can combat depression. And it is only through combating depression that we can defeat the silent killer of our society. It is important to note that people do not “commit suicide”. Suicide isn’t a reaction to depression – suicide is the most critical symptom of depression. People don’t die of suicide. People die of depression. And more and more people will continue to die of depression until we, as a society, open our damn eyes to this extreme problem and recognise its seriousness. We cannot let more and more of our young people die. It breaks my heart when every few weeks I’m driving to work or university in the mornings to hear of another young person losing their battle with suicide on the radio. It crushes me inside. It sickens me inside. The reaction to such devastation is heart-wrenching. Another mother who had no idea that their child was going through such inner turmoil. Another friend who thought their friend was only taking ecstasy to get a buzz. Another teacher who assumed their student’s breakdowns were down to teenage hormones and puberty. And another society left in devastation as the realisation kicks in that that dead, innocent victim of depression suffered alone and in silence. It could be any one of us.

Imagine. Take a step back, and imagine that it is 4am on a Wednesday morning, and that you’ve been lying in bed trying to sleep since 11pm. Imagine that you are awake, but you are crippled. Crippled with fear. There are voices in your head, voices that you can’t control no matter how hard you try, voices continuously telling you that you’re worthless, that your happiness is non-existent, that you are lonely and that you will never have any proper relationships with either friends or emotional partners as they don’t care about you. You haven’t eaten in 24 hours, because this fear is tearing away at your appetite. You haven’t had more than 4 hours solid sleep in months. You feel like your life has no direction. You are dreading having to face social interaction tomorrow. Because the people you are interacting with don’t have any idea of the battle you’re facing in your head. If only they knew. If only they could help. Imagine. It’s not an appealing thought, is it? It’s a thought that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. So join in the fight against depression.

Don’t be mean. Don’t label people. Don’t judge people based on their feelings. Always be kind. Always help others. Always commit selfless actions – it will only make you feel good, and you could make someone else’s day. Smile at strangers – that smile you gave that young man could make that suicidal man’s day. And most of all – don’t be afraid to open up.

If anyone reading this recognises some of the symptoms depression in either themselves or in others – talk to a friend. Talk to a family member. Talk to a professional. Contact your GP. Contact one of the wonderful organisations who are there to help. Don’t bottle up your feelings – this only increases pressure on yourself.

Defeating depression is a tough battle for society. But it is an even tougher personal battle for those suffering, and especially suffering in silence. It is, however, a battle that can be won. A battle that will be won if we, as a society, recognise depression for what it is – a killer. Together, we will survive.

Marriage Equality: A matter of when, not if

David McAvoy is the new QUBSF LGBT+ equality officer and current law student. David offers his personal thoughts on the historic endorsement of the majority of MLAs for marriage equality. 

QUB Sinn Féin activists at Stormont before Monday’s historic vote.

On Monday, a majority of MLAs voted in favour of same-sex marriage for the first time. After four previous failed attempts to introduce marriage equality, Monday’s vote was a bittersweet victory for the LGBT+ community and its allies. Although the motion failed to be passed, due to the DUP’s continued abuse of the Petition of Concern, its symbolism is historic as it shows that the majority of members in our legislature now support extending civil marriage to same-sex couples. Attitudes are slowly changing, but we’re not quite at the end of the race yet. Two further attempts to introduce same-sex marriage in the North will be made through the courts at the end of the year, although a motion cannot be put forward in the assembly until six months have passed.

As a republican and member of the LGBT+ community myself, I believe in equality for all citizens regardless of age, race, gender, religion or sexual orientation. Equality is at the core of our party’s raison d’être and has been for many years with equal rights and equal opportunities guaranteed by the Proclamation which was signed before the Easter Rising in 1916. Unfortunately, our attempts to secure equality for all citizens have been blocked time after time by unionists who argue that they cannot vote for marriage equality due to their strongly held religious beliefs. In effect, the LGBT+ community in the North is living in a society of fear and intolerance despite the fact that recent surveys have shown that an overwhelming majority of people support same-sex marriage. Our unionist politicians are showing that they are out of touch with society and are simply representing their own views and not those of society as a whole.

What is frightening is that a minority of people buy into the views of these unionist politicians; I watched The Nolan Show recently and heard comments being thrown around about how homosexuality is a lifestyle choice and an abomination. It is ironic is that these comments are being made by the same people who claim that their opposition to same-sex marriage is based on religious teaching. My family brought me up as a Catholic and I was always told to treat others as I would like them to treat me. In fact, one infamous biblical quote springs to mind in such instances, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone”. These ‘religious’ arguments contradict what Christianity is really about. For me, Christianity is based upon love for one’s neighbour and acceptance. Yet, here we are seeing religious fanatics preach hatred and intolerance.

I would like to ask those who make homophobic comments or continue to oppose equality: what right do you have to judge other people simply for being different? You are doing a grave injustice to our society by continuing with such a backward stance. You are damaging the lives of many members of the LGBT+ community who are living a lie simply because they are afraid to come out and be themselves because they don’t want to suffer abuse. I have lost count of the amount of homophobic comments that were thrown about when I was growing up and words can cause serious harm even if not intended. These same people are offending the many single parents in our society by claiming that a child needs a mother and a father in its life to be raised properly. I, myself, and many others are raised by single parents who are forced to take on the task of two parents, often through no fault of their own. These single parents deserve recognition for the tremendous work they do on their own, not to be put down by those who hold the old traditionalist view of what constitutes a ‘family’.

Likewise, or LGBT+ community deserves equal recognition in the eyes of the law and this can only be achieved through the introduction of same-sex marriage, a change in the law allowing men who have sex with men to donate blood, increased support for those who identify as transgendered and the extension of equal rights to the LGBT+ community as a whole. This will be a momentous task, but it is for the greater good. I genuinely fear for young members of the LGBT+ community who are growing up and are ashamed of their sexuality simply because of the backward stance of some of our politicians. In reality, those who need to be ashamed are the opponents of same-sex marriage, or those, such as Alban Maginness, who fail to turn up and vote on such an important issue despite being a member of a party that supports ciivl rights.

Watching Monday’s debate from the gallery in Stormont, I was delighted to see so many politicians come out and vocally support the motion. Credit must be given where it is due and I think politicians such as Trevor Lunn, of the Alliance party, who previously voted against introducing same-sex marriage and Andy Allen, the only member of the UUP to vote for the motion, deserve sincere appreciation for their support for marriage equality. Sinn Féin has been dedicated to helping the LGBT+ community for over 30 years and I was proud to see all our party’s MLAs vote, once again, in favour of marriage equality. Words cannot express how proud I am of our party’s continued commitment to standing up for the LGBT+ community.

Mike Nesbitt, leader of the UUP, recently came out and said that those who are against same-sex marriage are on the ‘wrong side of history,’ even though he abstained on Monday’s vote. History is already being made across the globe with same-sex marriage now a reality in approximately twenty countries and calls for its introduction in many more countries. History is also being made by Sinn Féin’s continued and genuine commitment to the LGBT+ community. I am strongly of the belief, following Monday’s vote, that it is not a matter of if, but when our assembly introduces same-sex marriage. It is often said that history is written by the winners and I firmly believe that in supporting equality for all, we will be viewed as history makers in the not-so-distant future.

“Normalising relations”

– By Aodhán Hamill

On the 10th December 2013, as the great Nelson Mandela was fittingly remembered at a memorial service in South Africa, the world experienced an unplanned and impromptu handshake between US President Barack Obama, and Cuban leader Raúl Castro. The handshake arguably marked the beginning of a thaw in relations between the long standing foes.

The relations between the two countries turned sour in the immediate aftermath of the triumph of the Cuban Revolution in 1959. After almost 6 years of a gruelling guerrilla war, Fidel Castro’s 26th July Movement overthrew the American backed Bastista regime. The newly established socialist government immediately set about a fulfilling a radical programme of nationalisation and land reform, threatening American economic interests on the island.

Fidel Castro visited New York in April 1959, at the invitation of the American press. He was snubbed by then president Eisenhower due to his left leaning tendencies. As it became clear the U.S. was unwilling to cooperate with Castro, and due to the heightened Cold War tensions, Cuba was forced to side with the Soviet Bloc for economic and diplomatic assistance. Relations between the two countries began to rapidly deteriorate.

In the months following Castro’s visit, Eisenhower ordered the CIA to begin training Cuban exiles to invade and overthrow Castro’s government, these plans came to a head in the disastrous attempted invasion of the Bay of Pigs under the Kennedy administration in 1961. In October 1960 the U.S. imposed an economic blockade on Cuba, barring all exports except food and medicine to the island. In 1962, the blockade was extended to include all exports to Cuba. To this day the blockade remains, crippling Cuba’s infrastructure, and despite 23 consecutive votes at the UN General Assembly calling for its immediate end.

Aside from the blockade, the U.S. has been meddling in Cuba in various other ways. Since 1898 the U.S. has occupied Guantánamo Bay, directly against the will of the Cuban governing. This is despite the occupation being illegal under international law, and despite the U.S. presence being protested by the Cuban government since 1959. Since 1983, the U.S. Congress had allocated funds to the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), a programme that specifically bankrolls groups in opposition to socialist governments throughout Latin America.

In December 2014, it was announced that the U.S. and Cuba were to formally normalise relations. On the 14th December, Barack Obama spoke to the American public and admitted the failure of isolation to break the revolutionary spirit of the Cuban people. The address was accompanied by the announcement that both countries were to reopen their respective embassies, in a move to restore diplomatic relations, and the release of remaining members of the Miami 5; five Cuban intelligence officers who were unjustly imprisoned in 1998 for trying to prevent attacks on Cuba.

Despite the media obsession with the ‘normalising’ of relations, some key obstacles still remain. The economic blockade still remains, and the U.S. have no intentions of lifting it. The blockade is mandated by Congress, and as it is currently dominated by Republicans, who have a notoriously hard line on Cuba, it will not be lifted for quite some time. The same can be said for the U.S. Naval Base at Guantánamo Bay, they show now willingness to hand the territory back to the Cuban government. In the last few days, the U.S. Congress allocated a further $30bn to the NED for groups hostile to the Castro government. Fortunately however, Raúl Castro is on record as saying that relations will not be fully resorted until the blockade is lifted, and Guantánamo returned.

In the face of 55 years of strict economic blockade Cuba has shown that building an alternative to boom-bust capitalism, based on delivering for the needs of all people and not just a few vicious profiteers, can work. We progressives in the western world can only stand in awe of the spirit of resistance and dedication to the revolution of the Cuban people. Sinn Féin Republican Youth will continue our unwavering solidarity with socialist Cuba, as we aspire to construct a society based on the example they have set.

Viva Cuba libre!

Syriza shows real leadership!

– By Ronan McLaughlin

The outcome of the Greek parliamentary election on the 25th January 2015 signalled a new dawn for anti-austerity politics across Europe. Syriza gained 36% of the vote in Greece and formed a coalition government. The result of this vote meant for the first time since the Greek crisis began, its national government had an official anti-austerity policy. The Greek Prime Minister and leader of Syriza Alexis Tsipras first message to his people was that, The Greek people had “given a clear, strong, indisputable mandate. Greece has turned a page. Greece is leaving behind destructive austerity, fear and authoritarianism. It is leaving behind five years of humiliation and pain.”
Since that point Syriza has faced uphill task to try and stick to its promises to the Greek people however I believe they have managed to accomplish this. Over the previous 4 weeks Syriza has been tied into negotiations with the Troika. The unelected Troika has tried unsuccessfully to make the Greek Government change national law on issues such as pensions. The deal offered to Greece by the Troika is degrading and a humiliation. The terms of the deal include further huge cuts to the public sector and services within Greece which would further devastate the Greek economy and more importantly the ordinary citizen. Alexis Tsipras said, ‘We exhausted every limit of concessions so there could be an agreement perhaps some saw that as a weakness. The day of truth is coming for the creditors, the time when they will see that Greece will not surrender, that Greece is not a game that has ended.”
Syriza has called a national referendum on the Troika deal which will be held on July 5th. Whatever the outcome of the referendum Syriza can hold their heads up high. They have sought to try and protect the ordinary Greek citizen despite huge international pressure to buckle and sign the deal and for that they should be very proud. A no vote in the referendum would give the government a mandate to go back to the Troika and seek a better deal furthermore it would be a clear rejection of austerity measures as well as other regressive and punitive policies being foisted on Greece by the Troika. The European Union, Troika and New Democracy party are pushing for a yes vote in the referendum. It is widely believed that the motive for this is to try and oust Syriza from power. A yes vote would put huge pressure on Alexis Tsipras to resign. If this were to happen it would suit the Troika and European Leaders. The economist Joseph Stiglitz said, ‘After all, it is extremely inconvenient to have in Greece a government that is so opposed to the types of policies that have done so much to increase inequality in so many advanced countries, and that is so committed to curbing the unbridled power of wealth,” Stiglitz argued. “They seem to believe that they can eventually bring down the Greek government by bullying it into accepting an agreement that contravenes its mandate. The Greek crisis further highlights the democratic deficit that exists in the European Union and the extent of the power of unelected bureaucrats and creditors. Maybe before trying to force reforms in Greece the European Union should look at its own structures which in all honestly need huge structural reform in order to make them more accountable and transparent.

Free Leonard Peltier!

– By Dan O’Muirigh

Friday past, members of Sinn Féin Republican Youth Béal Feirste joined a white line picket protest in support of Leonard Peltier.

Peltier, a Native American, has spent the last 40 years of his life in prison for a crime he did not commit. Born on 12 September 1944, he has spent more time in prison than out. It is inconceivable that a man of innocence can endure such a long period of time behind bars.

Prior to his arrest and conviction, Peltier was a leading member of the American Indian Movement, aiming to upheld the rights of Native American Indians. Come 1975, he was involved in a confrontation comprising members of the AIM. In the process, two FBI agents, Ronald Williams and Jack Coler, were shot dead. Only a matter of months later, Peltier was convicted of both murders, despite his innocence. The odds were stacked heavily against him, with an anti-Indian judge assigned to preside over the trial. Prosecutors and federal agents manufactured evidence against him, hid proof of his innocence, presented false testimony obtained through torturous interrogation techniques, ignored court orders and lied to the jury.

To begin with, the FBI claimed Peltier was the man responsible for pulling the trigger. Overtime, they bizarrely changed their claim against Peltier, saying now that he instead aided and abetted the murder. This was nonsense and was a clear indication of the immediate flaws of the persecution. The judge assigned even himself said that he was “uncomfortable” with the decision to prosecute him. It was apparent then that Peltier was innocent and overtime his innocence became infatuated, cataclysed by the FBI’s refusal to release 6,000 documents in relation to the case.

While in prison, on an anniversary of the two FBI agents’ deaths, Peltier was placed in isolation, with the temperature raised to around 120 degrees. This was on top of his spiraling medical ailments while his own lawyers were not informed of such a move to isolation for a week. This blatantly constitutes torture on the prisons behalf.

World renowned figures, such as Nelson Mandela, Mother Theresa and Archbishop Desmond Tutu have supported his release from prison, while Amnesty International, along with a myriad of other human rights organisations, have campaigned vigorously for his release.

We here in Ireland have a proud reputation of promoting human rights and demanding action against injustice not only in our own land but abroad as well, such as in Palestine and in the Basque Country. It is imperative upon us to offer our solidarity in this desperate time of need for Leonard Peltier, a present hero facing the injustices of America. He is a man who has spent a decade longer in jail than Nelson Mandela did.

There is only one person who can grant the freedom of Peltier; Barack Obama. Come the end of his administration he can grant clemency to prisoners. People power and political pressure can ensure that Peltier is on that list. We must campaign in support and stand in solidarity with our comrade to right this wrong. Everybody has their role to play and it is up to us to show that we can.

“Only one thing’s sadder that remembering you were once free, and that’s forgetting you were once free.” – Leonard Peltier

We would also encourage anyone who has read this to personally contact Peltier himself with a letter. In this vital time in need, our solidarity is paramount. Let him know he’s not alone.

LEONARD PELTIER #89637-132 USP COLEMAN 1 U.S. PENITENTIARY P.O. BOX 1033 COLEMAN, FL 3352

Hunger Strikes: Ireland & Palestine

-By Ryan Murphy 

Throughout Irish Republican History, prisons have always been symbolic and we know of the many prison struggles that have occurred down through the ages. It was through the prison struggle that Republican prisoners used the last line of defence they had, their own bodies. Hunger striking also has its roots in Irish history going as far back as Brehon laws. Republican prisoners from Thomas Ashe to Terence McSweeney, Michael Gaughan to Michael Devine all laid down their lives on Hunger Strike.

It has been 34 years, 3 months and 24 days since Bobby Sands refused food and thus beginning the 1981 Hunger Strike. It was undoubtedly a water shed in Irish History and was the perfect example of the unstoppable force meeting the immovable object. The prison conditions for republican political prisoners deteriorated rapidly after the withdrawal of special category status in 1976 and for them the hunger strike was their last line of defence.

The Republican movement at the time was relying upon international support and condemnation of The British State to bring an end to the strike. After the death of Bobby Sands, Dock Workers in Boston boycotted British shipping, protests erupted in Europe stretching from Paris to Milan and Ghent, Pravda the State Paper in the Soviet Union hailed him as a hero for his actions and a fighter of oppression and Fidel Castro along with many other global figures condemned the Brit state for its actions. As the protest went on and another 9 prisoners died the Eyes of the world still focused in on the north.

34 years on and at the other end of the world lying in an Israeli Jail Khader Adnan is on his 51st day of Hunger Strike after previously striking twice before he is reported to be in a critical condition. Just as it was in 1981 this is another case of the unstoppable force meeting the immovable object. We have seen the brass neck of the Israeli Govt. when they openly defied international law and committed inhumane acts and atrocities. Just last year we saw over 2,000 Palestinian men, women and children brutally murdered when they bombed the Gaza Strip for around a month. We have seen the Israeli government uproot Palestinian families and we know they plan to uproot more. And yet they have the audacity to arrest Khader Adnan on mere suspicion that he is plotting against the Israeli state. This administrative detention has been used by Israel in the past to detain thousands of Palestinians on just mere suspicion and the current detention of Khader is the tenth time it has happened to him, not only is it unjust but it is inhumane.

In 2012 after being arrested under the same act he lasted 66 days on hunger strike, in which 2000 other Palestinian Prisoners joined him, which ended with his freedom. It has been said by ex-POWs here that when they received photos of protests and seen international figures at them and received messages of solidarity from international comrades that their spirits were lifted and morale was high. It is up to us to do the same for Khader and other Palestinian prisoners.

We need international voices to hone in on the corrupt Israeli Government and hold them to account. We have seen the mistreatment of The Palestinian People since the end of World War 2 and it is time we took a stand. What would it say for the world we live in if in 2015 a man is left to die in such inhumane conditions. It is not enough for our Governments to say they recognise Palestine they need to start speaking up for them. Israel needs to be challenged, Actions need to be taken in order for Khader Adnan to live.

I was proud to have stood alongside comrades of mine from Sinn Féin Republican Youth at the site of an old RUC barracks last weekend, as many of us took part in a 24 hour fast in solidarity with Khader. Whilst it was only a simple gesture we hope that the people of Palestine know that they have support from all around the world.

On the last entry into Bobby Sands prison diary he wrote; “If they aren’t able to destroy the desire for freedom, they won’t break you. They won’t break me because the desire for freedom, and the freedom of the Irish people, is in my heart. The day will dawn when all the people of Ireland will have the desire for freedom to show. It is then we’ll see the rising of the moon.”

Khader Adnan, they won’t break you because the desire for freedom, and the freedom of the Palestinian people, is in your heart. The day will dawn when all the people of Palestine will be free and it is then we’ll see the rising of the moon. Free Khader Adnan, Free Palestine!

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