RuthAnne opens up about her personal mental health struggles

One person who has bravely opened up about her own personal battle is singer RuthAnne. The singer-songwriter is an ambassador for this year's Darkness Into Light and opened up about the importance of raising mental health awareness in an interview with Her.ie.

RuthAnne explained why the Darkness Into Light initiative resonates with her.

She shared: "I've definitely gone through my own mental health struggles, especially postpartum. I went through some anxiety and depression when I welcomed my second child that I just had seven months ago."

RuthAnne, who suffers from endometriosis, also said the condition impacts her mental well-being.

She explained: "The mental health that I've gone through with my endometriosis condition was very dark when I was at my peak of chronic pain and chronic fatigue."

The singer also sadly lost loved ones to suicide, so taking part in Darkness Into Light is incredibly important for her.

"Understanding how important it is, the work that Pieta does and being there for people and talking makes a difference.

She said it is vital to take part in this walk so that Pieta can continue to do the services.

Initiatives like Darkness into Light are essential in tackling the current mental heath epidemic in Ireland.

"Mental health is an epidemic, especially these days with young people suffering so much. This initiative reminds people how important it is to talk and to open up and to
tell someone if you're struggling."

RuthAnne acknowledged how hard it is to open up about your struggles, especially in Ireland.

She shared, "I know that a lot of the time, we feel weaker when we say what we're feeling, but actually, when you do, it's crazy how many people will look at you and say, I feel the exact same way or have gone through some struggle. And in that, you can find solace and find the light again."

"I found it so comforting when I spoke up about what I was going through and the amount of women who've gone through postpartum as well. Sometimes, when you're going through mental health struggles, you're in your own brain, and you're just spiraling, and you're keeping it all inside.

"I think getting it out will help. So, for me, songwriting is the way that I get out what I'm feeling. It's like a release."

RuthAnne encouraged people who may be struggling to talk through their problems.

"Don't think you have to be strong or that you have to keep up appearances. I think as Irish people as well, I don't know where we got this like, we just keep up appearances. I think that it's incredibly strong to actually admit how you're feeling and to say when you're struggling."

Darkness into Light takes place on May 10th. Find out more here.