Co Down councillor reveals depression in bid to end stigma

Kevin McAteer, an independent councillor in Newry who quit the SDLP in 2015 (while aged just 28), said that he had tried to take his own life in 2008 and “has been living with depression ever since”.

“I think it is important to open up about my experiences on mental health in order to help others,” he said.

“It comes in cycles and can last anywhere from a few days to weeks and even months, and I know that talking about it with friends and family can help.”

His intervention comes after it was revealed early last month that the Province had experienced the highest rate of suicide in the UK for the second year in a row.

Mr McAteer said “we need to remove the stigma” associated with mental health.