The Government urgently needs to address ….County Tipperary’s ‘Mental Health Crisis’
North Tipp TD’s respond with firm commitments
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 person may attempt to take their own life. This is not an attempt to scare anyone, these unfortunately are the facts.
‘’Our Mental Health is a state of well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their communities.’’ – World Health Organisation
Mental health affects everyone, and I think people can sometimes forget that. Life can be challenging and unpredictable and in truth none of us know 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 the day-to-day challenges that many of us face that can no doubt have a negative impact on our mental health. We all manage and cope in different ways and what might seem like a small issue for one person might mean a personal crisis for another, especially if that person is facing a combination of challenges altogether.
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 underfunded; in fact, our Mental Health Service is in crisis!
Tipperary has one of the highest rates of suicide per population, between 2019 and 2022, 83 people took their own lives. 70% of those were male. (CHO figures)
In a recent Spotlight report the percentage of young people between the ages of 18-25 who have self-harmed rose from 21% to 38%. In addition to this the percentage of young people aged 19-25 who thought about taking their own life rose from 51% to 63%
These are worrying statistics as all the trends are on the increase, yet we are not seeing any significant plan from the 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 that they 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 would feel to be turned away? or told you must wait at least six months to talk to a counsellor?
There is no provision in place to cope with the demand that exists, the current system is not fit for purpose and as a result we are not addressing people’s mental health needs, people are falling through the gaps that exist and this needs to be addressed urgently.
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 Eireann 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.
Tipperary TDs respond with firm commitments
Ryan O’Meara, TD
“The provision of mental health supports and services in 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.” – Ryan O’Meara TD
Alan Kelly, TD
“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’’.
Michael Lowry, TD
“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
This is an issue that affects 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 take the correct action and approach and address 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 of Mental Health in Ireland as it is underfunded 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.