I am 30 today. I remember turning 18! I battled a very nasty period of clinial depression in my mid 20s, and generally appreciate every day the Big Man gives me, but let today be a light of hope for anyone who worries about making the next one. You can. Now, Guinness cake.
— Donal Fallon (@fallon_donal) November 26, 2019
I dont have any great advice for the youth beyond to work at what you love, avoid charlatans, befriend your dad and remember it’s OK to take some time off and recharge the batteries. Appreciate the gorgeous island we have and take some time to walk it or take it in.
— Donal Fallon (@fallon_donal) November 26, 2019
In fairness.
Happy birthday, historian and blogger Donal Fallon (top) .
*phones da*
Pic: RTÉ
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Wouldn’t wish depression on my worst enemy. Awful thing.
As someone who grew up seeing it in a parent and suffers with it as an adult, I have to agree. It is the single worst thing I have experienced as an adult, and has taken parts of me that I can never get back. I am a different person because of depression.
Aw Millie, I had no idea. You generally sound so upbeat. Look after yourself. xx
Thanks Lil, you’re an aul dote x
As someone who grew up with a mother with bi polar disorder, I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. Constant visits to hospitals as the ma had ger little “breaks”. But in a way I’m glad I went through it has it has impacted on how I view others especially those suffering with their mental health. Yes I suffer too a bit but that was down to abuse I suffered, but ya know what. I’m a survivor and I’m still here. I’m a social care worker and I love giving back and helping others every single day
fair play, joe
wish you well
+1
+ all the pluses Joe,
Milly I don’t know you but whatever you think it has taken away from you, you are A ok in my book, keep on trucking x
++++
Thanks guys. Xx
Congrats Donal. Happy Birthday.
+1
Come Here to me is brill.
Happy Birthday. Some lovely bits of advice from him too. I second becoming friends with your dad.
I hate when people start giving out mental health advice. They have no idea of the context of those who suffer. One size does not fit all. Become friends with your dad? If he treated you like a POS and spent 40 years gaslighting you about what a failure you were, for example?
Consult a professional.
#NotAllDas
I’m sure he didn’t mean the poophole type parents.
He’s not saying one size fits all. Befriend your dad is a metaphor for staying close to those who care about you. Sound advice whether you’re depressed or not.
Happy birthday Donal :)
I love Donal’s contributions on Irish history and he’s very good at it. Education and learning beats all negative thoughts about oneself in my view. Happy 30th birthday and keep up the great insightful work, Donal.
Happy Birthday Donal – enjoy celebrations with loved ones. Great post – thanks for your honesty, and thanks to Millie and Joe also x
Wonderful site, Donal, you have brought me so much enjoyment over the years!
Enjoy your cake. Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday. It’s great to see that you came through a dark time to better days. Long may it remain so.
He’s wise beyond his years. Both CHTM books are great. I just listened to ep 1 of his new podcast this evening and really enjoyed it. Looking forward to many more. Happy birthday Donal!
I remember Donal and his passionate speech on Brendan O’Connor’s show
Escape the trajectory of your parents. No-one gets out of here alive.
Our stories relate in a general way, only.
Believe in yourself Donal.
May sound flippant, but any chance of the recipe?
I had no idea that any of the CHTM chaps were so young – good man Donal, keep on keepin’ on.