Drama to put teen suicide in the spotlight

A NEW play about suicide hopes to encourage teenagers to talk about the issue and promote positive mental health.

The hard-hitting Suicide Notes, by playwright Peadar Donohue, will be staged in Cork next week to coincide with World Mental Health Day on Wednesday.

It is part of a new approach by the Cork Mental Health Foundation (CMHF) to shatter the stigma around mental health issues and promote open dialogue.

The play centres around two young men who meet in a pub and begin discussing writing a suicide note.

But the story focuses on the devastating effects suicide has on the loved ones left behind.

It hopes to raise awareness about the tragedy of suicide and prompt an open and frank discussion amongst teenagers about mental health issues.

CHMF will hold a seminar in the Cork School of Music’s Curtis auditorium from 8.30am to 1pm which will feature a presentation on eating disorders by Adrienne Adams and Thomas Glowatki of the Shandon Health Centre. It will be followed by Peadar Donohoe’s one-act play.

Both sessions will be followed by panel discussions to allow those attending to examine thoughts or comments they may have.

“This will allow for an open and secure forum to create awareness and understanding of mental health which is one of the goals of CMHF,” said a spokesperson.

Counsellors and support groups will be present throughout the morning to allow for more in-depth discussion and exchange.

“The ability to discuss these issues openly under the guidance of experts will create awareness and understanding of what real mental health means,” the spokesperson added.

CMHF was established in 1962 to promote positive mental health and to help people with mental disabilities.

Based in Nore House in Blackrock, the organisation has provided 30 high- quality residential units and caters for the needs of 232 residents.

“This hands-on approach is a clear indication of the level of real-time support which assists in the re-integration of those with mental heath issues and those who are in recovery back into the community,” the spokes-person said.

More people die by suicide every year than die on Ireland’s roads.

According to the Joint Committee on Health and Children’s July 2006 report, The High Level of Suicide in Irish Society, Ireland’s rate of youth suicide, aged between 15 and 24 years, was the fifth highest of the 25 EU countries in 2004.

In this age group, male suicides exceeded females by a ratio of 7:1.

* HSE Suicide Prevention Helpline — 1800 742745