Sallins Singer Arlene Bailey Opens Up On Mental Health During Aware Mental Health Week

Monday, 5 October 2026 14:38

By Mark Hanbidge

Telling Kildare Today that she once felt her diagnosis was something she should keep private, but has since found that talking openly has helped both herself and others.

Sallins country-rock singer Arlene Bailey has spoken about her own mental health journey and the importance of asking for help, as Aware Mental Health Week gets underway.

Speaking on Kildare Today, Bailey discussed being diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her early 40s and how she initially worried about how others would react when she began speaking publicly about her diagnosis.

Bailey, who now works with Aware as a lived-experience expert, said the organisation has played an important role in helping her understand and manage her diagnosis, including through its Living Well with Bipolar Disorder programme.

She told Hannah Kelly that she once felt her diagnosis was something she should keep private, but has since found that talking openly has helped both herself and others.

"The more I talk about the problem, the freer I feel."

Bailey said people do not need to speak publicly about their experience, but encouraged anyone struggling to begin by talking to someone they trust, such as a friend or doctor.

Her comments came as Aware released its national mental health survey, which found finances were the issue having the greatest impact on respondents' mental health, while stigma remains one of the barriers preventing some people from seeking support.

Aware Clinical Director Dr Susan Brannock, who also joined Kildare Today this morning, said recognising that something is not right and speaking to somebody can be an important first step towards getting support.

Aware Mental Health Week runs until October 11th, with World Mental Health Day taking place on October 10th.