A CO Derry doctor has revealed his own personal battle with depression, in a new book.
Draperstown medic Vincent Kennedy, who works as a cardiac physiologist at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry, said his book was inspired by his search to find the causes of his depression.
In The Centre Lies Virtue is the result of extensive research which Mr Kennedy hopes can help others break free from the blight of anxiety and poor mental health.
“I have struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts for years but was driven to understand where it came from and why it had affected me,” he said.
"Suicide is such a prevalent issue in so many communities across the country and I wanted to find out what motivates people to take their own lives and why."
The book discusses four major areas in an individual’s life in a effort to understand the reality of existence; including life, faith, death and happiness.
Dr Kennedy also attempts to find a meaning for life, what it means to be human and what leads so many people to end their own lives by suicide.
“Through my own research I feel I have found some fantastic information that I feel can help others to identify and overcome their own barriers and begin a personal journey towards freedom,” he said.
Recently Dr Kennedy has showcased his work as an abstract expressionist artist, in a number of exhibitions.
The launch of the new book comes as local mental health charity STEPS prepares to welcome the Cycle Against Suicide to Draperstown this weekend.
Thousands of cyclists are set to use peddle power in a bid to raise awareness about suicide in Co Derry this weekend.
Those taking part in the Cycle Against Suicide Spin-Off will set off from the town on Saturday.
The area has lost 18 people to suicide in the last 10 years.
The event is modelled on the main Cycle Against Suicide event which took place earlier this year.
Those taking part will pass through local villages and towns including Magherafelt and Maghera.
Spokeswoman for STEPS Karen McGuigan said the event has cross community support.
“Mental health problems don’t care what religion or what community you are from,” she said.
“It doesn’t matter how smart or how rich you are, it affects people from all walks of life and we need to get the message out there - that it is OK not to feel OK."
Registration for the cycle starts at 8.30am.
For more information of the event and to register online visit - cycleagainstsuicide.com.
