Project backs mental health checks

UP TO 150 people from around Kinsale have developed a new project to increase young people’s awareness of their mental health needs.

The Kinsale Youth Support Services was established by Gardaí, doctors, youth workers, teachers and parents who were increasingly concerned about the links between drug and alcohol abuse in the town and mental health problems.

KYSS chairman, Garda Juvenille Liaison Officer (JLO) James O’Mahony has said that many of the young people referred to him by other Gardaí have underlying mental health needs.

“Many of them are involved in alcohol and drugs and often there is an underlying depression or anxiety beneath it. It’s not the alcohol that’s the real problem. It’s what going on beneath it. I’ll refer people on to psychologists and counsellors and there’s no doubt about it but when they engage with professionals, there’s a much bigger chance of them overcoming these problems in the long term,” he said.

Many such children come to the notice of Gardaí via public order offences, assaults, drug offences or through criminal damage, according to Sergeant Ian O’Callaghan.

Kinsale GP, Dr Tony Foley is also involved in the project. A website has been developed, www.kyss.ie and booklets outlining the importance of your mental health will be dropped at homes around the town.

“It can be hard to spot depression in teenagers as the signs such as becoming more isolated, falling behind in school and becoming quieter are often seen as typical teenage traits. However teenagers are becoming more depressed due to stresses in the family, school and due to the recession. Also teenagers can also start to develop an inherent depression, coming from within,” Dr Foley said.

KYSS are holding an awareness day, which Junior Minister for Health, Kathleen Lynch will attend, at Acton’s Hotel next Monday, October 10 at 5pm.

A second awareness day, aimed at adults, will be held at the hotel the following day, October 11 from 3pm-9pm.