This week is Mental Health Week and there are a number of events taking place all around the country to create awareness and remind people who are struggling that supports are there for them and that it is okay not to feel okay. 

In light of this, a local women, who has suffered from poor mental health all her life as a result of severe bullying throughout her childhood and teens, decided it was the right time to share here story. Laura (not her own name) has requested that she remains anonymous.

It all began when the Laura was just 11 years old living in Mitchelstown. An adult neighbour began calling the young girl ‘dogface’ as a derogatory nickname and within a short time, many other members of the neighbour’s family began using the nickname for Laura.

Story in this week’s Print & Digital Edition