While it currently feels like our government isn’t doing enough for people who suffer from poor mental health, there are many Irish organisations who are working hard to pick up the smooth over the cracks of the Mental Health Services in Ireland.
The CSO Yearly report for 2019 revealed Limerick has 22 deaths per 100,000 of the population a major jump on the previous year when Limerick was 8th highest in the country.
Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention is the city’s one of two suicide prevention groups that patrols local bridges during high-risk times for suicide. Founded in 2018 and now with 40 volunteer members, LTSP is continuing to grow.
Founded in 2018 and now operating with just over 40 volunteer members, LTSP is continuing to grow. They have just recently set up a new base in St John’s Street. And much deservedly, they have also reached an amazing milestone by achieving Charity status. This will allow the group to fundraise to keep the much needed organisation up and running. Up until this point the Voluntary group were operating relying solely on the donations of the public.
Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention have also launched a new podcast. The ‘Life is for Living’ podcast will offer listeners advice on how to overcome the different struggles they may face, such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and all things associated with mental health.
Life is for Living currently offers a total of 16 episodes, with each episode dealing with a different theme, at times using emotive, character driven stories drawing from lived experiences.
Mental illnesses affect 19% of the adult population, 46% of teenagers and 13% of children each year. People struggling with their mental health may be in your family, live next door, teach your children, work in the next desk or sit in the same cafe.
However, only half of those affected receive treatment, often because of the stigma attached to mental health. Untreated, mental illness can contribute to higher medical expenses, poorer performance at school and work, fewer employment opportunities and increased risk of suicide. Some of the Mental Health Helplines in Ireland can be found here.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been an extremely challenging event. Some people might find it more worrying than others. Medical, scientific and public health experts are working hard to contain the virus and consequentially people’s mental health has been challenged at every turn.
The constant stream of information about COVID-19 can be overwhelming. It can also make you feel unnecessarily worried. If it does, find ways to moderate what information you choose to take in, and when. So now it seems that Minding our Mental Health is more important than ever. The HSE have offered some useful tips that can be found here.
Earlier this Month I met with LTSP Chairman Declan Crowe, I was fortunate enough to also be able to attend one of their training sessions. Below is a Video Documentary that I created for the organisation.
Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention
