Call to ringfence mental health funds

THE Mental Health Commission has urged people feeling the strain from debt and unemployment to take four practical steps to help them cope with daily life.

According to the World Health Organisation, one in four people will experience a mental health problem in their lives.

The commission has also urged the Government to ringfence funding for community facilities so the number of mental health admissions in hospitals can be reduced. It also warned that mental health policy must be aimed at “recovery” and not just keeping patients stable.

In a statement to mark World Mental Health Day, the Commission said that the economic downturn has had a double negative effect on mental wellbeing as people are under greater strain, yet there is more pressure on governments to cut mental health funding. Commission chairman Edmond O’Dea said individuals can play a part in halting a decline in their mental health before it deteriorates sharply.

“Individuals can also play their part. When you are under significant stress and experiencing great anxiety, you are more vulnerable to mental health difficulties.

“People should look out for the signs, examine their lives and try to remove causes of stress, talk to their GPs if any aspect of their mental condition is of concern to them and talk openly to trusted friends and loved ones about how they feel,” he said.

“If people are experiencing mental difficulties or feel under severe stress and pressure, maintaining good nutrition and taking regular exercise are simply and achievable steps to take, which can have a very positive impact.”

Minister of State with responsibility for Mental Health Kathleen Lynch reiterated the need to talk about your mental health — even if it’s the last thing you feel like doing.

“Seeking help by talking to family and friends is an important action in helping people to cope with emotional distress.

“By visiting www.yourmentalhealth.ie we can also access information and advice that will give a greater understanding of our own mental health; increase awareness of the things that we can do to improve our mental health and the importance of talking and listening to others,” she said.

A list of events during World Mental Health Week is available at www.hse.ie.