Government needs to address our mental health crisis

A lack of resources has resulted in poor mental health services in the State, writes Brendan Murphy, the Chairman of Nenagh C-Saw branch, the charity working to reduce suicides. Here, he alludes to particularly disturbing statistics emerging here in County Tipperary in relation to the numbers of people deciding to end their own lives.......

For every 100 people that read this article, 20 people are going through a personal crisis.

At least five people might have suicidal thoughts and at least one may attempt to take their own life.

This is not an attempt to scare anyone. These, unfortunately, are the facts.

Here’s how the World Health Organisation define mental health: “Our mental health is a state of well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their communities.”

Mental health affects everyone. I think people can sometimes forget that.

Life can be challenging and unpredictable and, in truth, none of us knows from one day to the next when we might find ourselves in difficulty with our mental health.

Financial pressures, anxiety, stress, job related pressures, the loss of a loved one and loneliness are just some of thechallenges that many face and can, no doubt, have a negative impact on their mental health.

We all manage and cope in different ways. What might seem like a small issue for one person might be a personal crisis for another - especially if that person is facing a combination of challenges altogether.

DISTRESS

I think we can all relate to what might cause mental health distress. We are all familiar with the importance of raising awareness, and because it is so common we understand the vital need for mental health services in our communities.

Yet, our mental health service is not fit for purpose. It is under-resourced and under-funded; in fact, our mental health service is in crisis.

HIGH RATE

Tipperary had one of the highest rates of suicide per population, between 2019 and 2022. During that period 83 people took their own lives. Seven in ten of those were male.

A recent Spotlight report highlighted that the percentage of young people between the ages of 18-25 who have self-harmed rose from 21pc to 38pc.

In addition to this, the percentage of young people aged between 19 and 25 who thought about taking their own life rose from 51pc to 63pc.

WORRYING STATISTICS

These are worrying statistics, as all the trends are on the increase. Yet, we are not seeing any significant plan from Government to address what can only be described as a crisis.

In 2021, we lost 449 people alone to suicide.

We have many great organisations, most of which are run by amazing volunteers. But there is only so much volunteers can do.

When people reach out to the state-run mental health services for help they can be waiting a minimum of six months to see a counsellor.

Can you imagine if you were in mental distress and needed help? How it must feel to be turned away? Or, how would it feel to be told you must wait at least six months to talk to a counsellor?

There is no provision to cope with the demand that exists. We are not addressing people’s mental health needs. People are falling through the gaps that exist. This needs to be addressed urgently.

REPRESENTATIONS

We are very fortunate to have three elected TDs in North Tipperary. I have contacted each of them individually to look at this important issue and to make it a priority during their tenure in Dáil Éireann, not only for Tipperary but nationally, as the Government needs to provide resources and funding for a State-run mental health service that is fit for purpose.

The three North Tipperary TDs have responded as follows:

Fianna Fáil TD Ryan O’ Meara said: “The provision of mental health supports and services is a major issue in North Tipperary. There are several charities in this space that are doing exceptional work to provide services for people in need, particularly during times of crisis. I am committed to raising the need for enhanced mental health services in North Tipperary and I will be raising this issue both in the Dáil and with the relevant Ministers for increased state funding for services in our area.”

The Labour Party’s TD Alan Kelly responded: “We have a national crisis when it comes to mental health services. I have never seen the situation being so bad in two decades of public life. There needs to be a complete rethink on the issue and joined up processes across government departments, national bodies and local authorities. Many of the issues that arise for people can be alleviated somewhat if there is early intervention and people’s issues are flagged. However, there are not the services available to do this. There aren’t enough services from the HSE, and it’s left to voluntary bodies to try and get funding and qualified personnel to fill the gaps in HSE services. We also have a real issue in terms of the lack of qualified professionals in the area of mental health and this needs to be a priority for Government.”

Crisis point

Indepenent TD Michael Lowry responded:  ‘”Sadly, at this time, many people are reaching crisis point before they can receive the support and assistance they need for mental health issues.

“The new Programme for Government includes a strong emphasis on mental health. In fact, it is mentioned 33 times throughout the programme document.

“The programme cites mental health in the context of voluntary and community, the Mental Health Sector, Legislative Reform, National Clinical Programmes in Mental Health, Youth Mental Health, Mental Health in Older People, Suicide and Self Harm and Autism.

“Having had a direct input into the Programme for Government, I am committed to ensuring that a strong focus on all mental health issues remains to the fore throughout the lifetime of this Government.

“People in Tipperary and across the country deserve nothing less.”

CONCLUSION

Mental health issues affect each and every one of us and I think it is essential in this day and age for the State to provide a mental health service that works.

We have already fallen well below the standard of service that is required. But if the Government takes the correct action and approach and addresses this matter now it would be a huge step in the right direction.

I commend the work that is currently being done by mental health workers and voluntary groups throughout the country as I truly believe that their impact has been immense.

But much more needs to be done in the area as the sector is under-funded and under-resourced.

One life lost is one too many. Let’s hope this Government will lead the way and reform our mental health services in Ireland.