It’s International Men's Day (IMD) on 19th November and in keeping with this year's theme of celebrating men and boys, we're celebrating the men who work and study at our School. Today we feature Dr Patrick Murray Hayden, Student Advisor.
A Dublin native, Patrick spent a lot of his working and educational life in England and the USA, in the Financial Services and Biotech industries, specialising in account management and training and development. In UCD, he previously worked at the School of Medicine before joining The Vet School. He has a special interest in the areas of addiction and group/social dynamics. Patrick says of his work here, “I enjoy helping students navigate their way through various potential challenges they may face including, financial, social, academic and unexpected crises. Seeing students overcome challenges is hugely rewarding. Being the father of three, the issues and challenges students face is not an abstract concept – I understand where they are coming from, and recognize life can be difficult at times. Having completed my third level studies in the US, I can also appreciate the steep learning curve students attending UCD from overseas may face”.
Patrick believes that maintaining positive physical and mental health is part of the key to a healthy and satisfied life, he says, “I encourage students to exercise, walk in nature (think path around UCD), invest and maintain in healthy friendships, try to avoid junk food, don’t endlessly withdraw from your sleep account.”
To younger men, Patrick advises, “Suffering in silence or alone may be perceived by an individual as being stoic, but it can at times be more accurately seen as following the path of least resistance”. Asking for advice or help is putting your wellbeing first and your ego and pride second”.
Patrick sees positive role models in the world of Arts and Sports. He mentions his admiration for Leinster, Racing 92, and Ireland International Rugby legend Johnny Sexton and notes how Sexton is “competitive, resilient – drives high standards for himself and others”. U2 Bassist Adam Clayton is, in Patrick's words, “creative, successful, humble and supportive of mental health organisations in Ireland”, and Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy is, “ comfortable being himself - authentic”.
Patrick feels IMD is important because, “In Ireland men are falling behind in terms of their mental and physical health. Males have higher death rates than females for almost all of the leading causes of death and at all ages. Men’s poorer lifestyles are responsible for a high proportion of chronic diseases. Late presentation to health services can lead to a large number of problems becoming untreatable.”
Thanks so much to Patrick for speaking to us. For more information on IMD, please see (opens in a new window)https://www.internationalmensday.info/