Minors’ mental health issues up 30%
The situation was revealed by the organisers of a major mental health conference set to take place next month. They said families must protect their children from adult woes.
Speaking ahead of the National Mental Health Conference, which will focus on issues affecting children and teenagers, chairman Ian Gargan said there had been a sharp rise in child mental health problems linked to the recession. The clinical director at Imagine Health, who has worked for the HSE and the Department of Children, said cases of depression, withdrawal, and social dysfunction were on the rise.
He said a wide range of factors played a role in these developments, and that he increase may be partially due to a rise in mental health awareness among the public.
However, the expert said one of the key reasons for the surge over the past two years had been the stress of the economic collapse on home and family, which was transferring to children in subtle ways.
“In a recession, the stress experienced by children tends to increase significantly and we’re certainly now seeing a corresponding escalation in those experiencing stress and mental health issues, and depression.
“At our clinics, the numbers of children and young adults being treated has increased by 30% since 2010.”
The rise was recorded by Imagine Health private clinics as well as between 20 and 30 psychologists in the public sector.
Dr Gargan said the majority of new cases occurred in the 11 to 18 age group, and peaked at 14-15.
Speakers at the conference will include minister of state with responsibility for mental health Kathleen Lynch, Ballymun-based GP Brid Hollywood, and district court judge Conal Gibbons.
The third annual National Mental Health Conference will be held at the Burlington Hotel in Dublin on Sept 27.
* mentalhealthcare.ie
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