Daragh Fleming preaches the message it is always good to talk no matter who you are

Former Fr Mathew's and Ballincollig basketball national league player Daragh Fleming has become one of the most effective communicators regarding the promotion and importance of mental health for young people in Ireland.

When once basketball was his life, he now uses the lessons he learned playing sport in his new vocation - helping those who are struggling mentally.

He suffered a huge loss himself several years ago when his best friend and team mate Erbie Underwood lost his life to suicide, which had terrible effect on him at a young age, however, he now uses the strength of coming through that tragedy to try help others. 

He now gives talks all over the country, has written several books, and has started a mental health blog for everyone who may be struggling.

“I started my mental health blog when I was 20, and I realised writing was a feasibly pathway for me around the age of 22 when I was doing my Masters in Dublin (UCD),” Daragh said.

“I spoke at the TEDx Talk in NUIG last November, which was a huge milestone and I’ve given talks at Teen Talks Ireland, the Cork Mental Health Foundation seminars, Mental Health Reform Conferences, various festivals, at multiple corporations like Amazon, EY, and Pfizer. 

"I’ve also been to schools and universities. 

"I really love going into places and talking about things people are often uncomfortable talking about. 

“I think Erbie has been the biggest inspiration in my life. 

"Everything came from him. 

"I don’t know if I’d have ever wanted to talk about mental health if he hadn’t passed the way he did. 

"I’ve gotten to work with Niall Breslin as well, which has been huge – he’s really someone who cares about the mental health of young people and actively does the hard work to make real change. 

"There are so many people, from my parents and brother to the people I’ve met along the way. I wouldn’t really feel able to do it all if there wasn’t so much unyielding support.

“There are so many incredible writers in Cork, and in Ireland. 

"Meeting people like Patrick Holloway, Molly Twomey, Lauren O’Donovan, Tadhg Coakley among many, many others (we’d be here all day if I listed everyone) has been huge.

“I would say Lonely Boy has been my biggest achievement, and everything that came with that. 

"Getting to publish a book on mental health means an awful lot to me. 

"I was also highly commended for the Patrick Kavanagh Award and the Fool For Poetry Prize last year, which were huge boosts, as well as being shortlisted for the Alpine Fellowship Poetry Prize this year.

“I remember Olivia Fitzsimons emailed me once responding to a tweet about getting into festivals. 

"It’s just an example of how writers go out of their way to support one another. 

"Friends like Galia Admoni and Faye Banister-Harding have been pivotal when it came to poetry – I really didn’t have a clue what I was doing until speaking with them. 

"For every person I’ve named there are about ten unnamed. There’s been so much support.

“As for passing on knowledge, absolutely, as I try to help anyone who asks for it, and while I may not have all the answers or expertise, I do the best I can. 

"I believe that encouragement isn’t given often enough. 

"We tend to hoard it, but it’s free and easy to give, so I do that whenever I can.

“The best advice I would you give any young person who are struggling with their Mental Health is allow yourself to feel the feelings. 

"When I was struggling I always lied to myself and said I was fine when I wasn’t. 

"You’re allowed to feel. I would also say that you’re not alone, so many people struggle and hide it from the people around them. 

"Try and have a conversation about it. It’s hard and it takes bravery, but you talking about it will help you, and it might really help someone else to finally open up.

“The tools would I would recommend to anyone, firstly I would suggest therapy, which isn’t accessible for everyone sadly. 

"I would also suggest developing a routine for your mental health – things you can do every day that you know make you feel better. 

"Ask yourself how you are a few times a day and be honest. We have a tendency to say we’re grand even when we’re not. 

"And above all else, express yourself. Grab a pen, a laptop, some paint brushes, get the feelings out of your head. Create something with them. "It’s always made me feel better.

“I have a new book coming out next March with Broken Sleep Books. I’m trying to slow down, take the pressure off myself a bit. 

"I want to continue to perform the poetry as much as possible, so maybe that’s something to focus on for now,” Daragh added.