Fair City actor reaches out to young people struggling with mental health issues

New blog aims to break down barriers to help young people talk about their difficulties

'Fair City' actor Ella Barton, who plays Juliet O’Connell in the RTE soap, is fighting the stigma of mental health among young people with the launch of her very own blog on the issue.

“I have launched my first blog ‘I’m a Teenager Get Me Out of Here’, where I discuss growing up in the age of social media and the challenges young people face," the 19 year-old says.

"The stories are vulnerable, open and often peppered with humour but honestly reflect the challenging situations I am sure not only me, but many teenagers face,” says Ella, who has been acting since she was 11 years old and is a member of Dublin Youth Theatre.

“My goal is to share my story and connect with others who are going through similar experiences to show they are not alone and there is always a way out of the jungle. I want to encourage young people who are struggling to reach out and ask for help,” said Ella whose theatre work includes ‘Rising’ in the Peacock Theatre directed by Tom Creed.

During lockdown, Ella also created a video 'Broken 2020' which visually reflects the challenges around social isolation anxiety and body image. “I am passionate about young people’s mental health and last year I worked closely with Jigsaw, a charity with young people’s health in mind. I spoke at conferences sharing my ideas on how to create a more supportive environment for young people in Ireland.

“I also met the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during their trip to Ireland to discuss my story and ideas for ways to improve mental health services for young people,” said Ella, who has studied drama at the Guildhall School of Acting in London.

“Learning to overcome life’s difficulties to promote self wellbeing in young people is also about promoting positive mental health and awareness in the wide community. My blog is about helping to create a place where we can talk and for young people to be listened to.”

“I am hoping that my blog will also help in some way to equip young people with the vital skills in social emotional learning so that we reach a place where people are more compassionate and understanding towards each other and others.”

The blog can be assessed here at: https://imateenagergetmeoutofhere.com/the-chameleon-effect/