PJ Gallagher explores Ireland's fight for mental wellness in new RTÉ documentary

Comedian PJ Gallagher turns mental health warrior in a new RTÉ documentary exploring mental health in Ireland.

PJ Gallagher: Changing My Mind will air on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player on Monday, May 20, at 9.35pm.

Following a lifesaving stay at St Patrick's Mental Health Services, PJ embarked on a mission to sustain his mental health and long-term well-being, while facing the joys and challenges of welcoming twins.

He powerfully admits that he very nearly “died of shame.” He was too embarrassed to talk about being depressed, to the point of becoming suicidal.

“When I started out doing comedy 25 years ago, the last thing I thought I would be doing was talking about mental illness," he said.

"In fact, I was trying to do the exact opposite. But my mission now is to have a conversation and try to get other people to have their own discussions on mental illness, and to know the difference between mental illness and your day-to-day mental health.”

The documentary is a celebration of PJ's progress and his commitment to extend that lifeline to those navigating their own mental health journeys, by partnering with advocacy groups and working to dismantle the stigma of facing mental health difficulties.