Irish Examiner Column 08/03/2021: Vouch for 5k

Warning: This column may contain traces of looking on the bright side.

I think it’s important to put that warning in. It can be extremely annoying to be told to look on the bright side just while you’re trying to process the dark side. Another beaut is ‘others have it worse.’ We’re probably culturally pre-disposed to it here anyway because so many generations were told to offer it up.

That has its place, but it’s not a magic bullet for everyone and we should be careful before prescribing.

I haven’t a clue about mental health. I’m not even an expert in my own. When I say there is at least one upside of a thing right now, I’m just saying it for me and leaving it here for you to consider. If things are manky, I believe you. You know your own mank. Don’t feel you have to ‘offer it up’ or spare a thought for anyone worse off than you. Someone else can do that. Things are shite and it’s not your fault. Even if a cloud has a silver lining, you’d still be better off with no cloud. Read more here