Ireland 'must act on mental health'

Ireland needs to wake up and take action to address the youth mental health crisis facing the country, it was claimed today.

National youth organisation, Spunout.ie, said there is an urgent need to invest in the younger generation if the country is to build a sustainable, inclusive and happy society.

Chief executive Manus Hanretty said spiralling unemployment and migration was affecting Ireland’s young population.

“There is a lot of talk about young people being our future,” he said.

“However our youth are now suffering massively from the devastating economic turn-down resulting in cut backs in education, youth unemployment rates of 30%, and up to 1,000 people per week emigrating.

“There is a growing feeling of hopelessness which is leading to increasing levels of alcohol and drug abuse, anti-social behaviour, homelessness, mental health problems and suicide.”

It is estimated that one in four people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives.

SpunOut.ie, which reaches over 50,000 online users a month, will tomorrow mark World Mental Health Day, which aims to raise public awareness about mental health issues.

Mr Hanretty said investment in young people is diminishing while the demand for services in response to suicide, depression, self-harm, eating disorders and unemployment rises.

“As a country we have a responsibility and a vested interest in nurturing and supporting our young people to ensure they reach their full potential and live happy healthy lives,” he added.

“At a time when Ireland needs the talent and energy of its young people to help transform the country there must be meaningful strategic action towards investing in young people.”

Meanwhile HeadsUp is calling on young people to get talking about mental health through film.

The inaugural HeadsUp Movie Awards is looking for mini-movies that will encourage discussion of mental health and contribute to efforts to reduce the stigma associated with it.

Collette Ryan, project manager, said: “Mental health is more than just mental ill health, it also includes mental wellbeing and we should take care of our mental health on a daily basis.

“These awards are an opportunity for those interested in mental health and who may be a budding filmmaker or animator to put their ideas on film to further the promotion of positive mental health.”

Meanwhile the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) will host a free open day in the Mansion House next Saturday to explain the benefits of talking therapies.

Naoise Kelly, national director, said: “The recession has put a lot of pressure on people, both in their private and professional lives.

“This is an opportunity to find out more about counselling and psychotherapy and how they can help you in times of crisis or change.”