What’s Going on in Ireland?

Introduction

Ireland is having a mental health crisis. With stories scattered across different newspapers and reports it can be difficult to keep track of the full picture. Hopefully the following collection of facts will make it easier to grasp the general situation.

Nationwide (Republic)

60% of people surveyed reported having experienced depression, and 80% experiencing anxiety (Aware 2023).

The European Drug Report (2023) indicates that Ireland has the highest usage of cocaine in the EU, and the 2nd highest MDMA (ecstasy) usage. Risks associated with cocaine include: heart attack, stroke, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, premature labour, miscarragie, low birth weight, breathing problems, ulcers and gangrene if injected, cartilige damage in the nose that can lead to disfigurement, anxiety, paranoia, a reduced ability to recognise negative emotions in others, and more. MDMA is linked to liver, kidney, and heart problems, as well as overheating. It is also linked to dehydration (it causes the body to release a hormone that stops urine production so drinking too much water can be as deadly as not drinking enough).

Ireland has one of the highest rates of mental health illness in Europe. 18.5% of the Irish population were recorded as having a mental health illness such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, or alcohol/drug use (Mental Health Ireland 2016). 78% of young people in 2023 reported problems with their mental health (Ombudsman for Children 2023).

At least 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health issue at some point in their life (Mental Health Ireland 2018).

The general trend over the past few decades is that instances of mental health problems are rising (MentalHealth.ie 2018; Aware 2023). Demand for services increased by 33% between 2020 and 2021 (Irish Times 2023).

Unemployment is associated with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. There are 79 employment blackspots in the country (The Journal 2017).

Homelessness and financial stress are associated with poor mental health. Ireland has some of the highest housing costs in Europe with one of the lowest population densities.

The overall cost of poor mental health in Ireland was just over 3 billion euros in 2006, or 2% of GNP (Irish Centre for Social Gerontology and Department of Economics, NUI Galway, 2008). This is an estimate and could be much higher given that certain invisible costs can be difficult for researchers to directly calculate e.g., aside from treatment there can be difficulties sustaining employment so less tax revenue, health costs if someone hurts themself or others, legal costs from mental health related incidents, etc. The World Health Organisation recommends at least 12% of budgets should be spent on mental health.

1 in five adults don't know where to go for support if they have problems. 44% of adults in a survey expressed experiencing abuse. 41% of these people reported not doing anything about it (Safeguarding Ireland 2022).

80% of employers in Ireland are not investing in workplace mental health. More than half of employers report that the proportion of absenteeism due to mental ill-health has increased in the last 12 months. (UCC 2023).

There are ongoing and serious deficits in CAMHS which is increasing the risk to children and young people (Mental Health Commission 2023): https://www.mhcirl.ie/news/mental-health-commission-publishes-final-report-child-and-adolescent-mental-health-services

Nearly 1/4 of Irish farmers were considered at risk of suicide (UCD 2023).

11% of Traveller deaths are due to suicide (Pavee Point 2014).

A nationwide Department of Health survey published in January found that 6% of respondents had attempted suicide at some point. That figure rose to 10% for those aged under 35 (The Nenagh Guardian 2023).

Inequality and poverty contribute to poor mental health. Ireland has a two tiered economy. Wealth brought in by multinationals isn't shared with the general population. 10% of jobs in Ireland are due to international jobs (Irish Mirror) but represenent 52% of GDP (Irish independant). 80% of Irish people are struggling with the cost of living (Irish Examiner 2023). The difference between GDP and household income is growing.

Source: World Bank

Carlow

Carlow was above average for mortality for all ages due to alcohol related causes (Lenus The Irish Health Repository, 2017).

More than half of students say the housing crisis is affecting their education, mental health and social experience. 4 out of 5 had difficulty finding suitable accommodation on a budget. 7 in 10 face difficulty paying rent.

Carlow has some of the highest suicide rates in the country (National Office for Suicide Prevention).

The loss of a loved one before their time can have a huge impact. Deaths for all ages for cancer and respiratory disease and all deaths are higher in Carlow than the national average (Healthy Carlow County Plan 2018 - 2021).

"In 2016, a higher proportion of the total population of Carlow reported no formal or primary education, or having primary education only" (Healthy Carlow County Plan 2018 - 2021).

Cavan

The rate of suicide is higher than the national rate (Lenus Health Profile 2015 Cavan). "In 2017, Cavan had above the national average hospital admission rate for mental and behaviour disorders due to alcohol" (HSE, 2019).

"Clubs have observed a marked increase in mental un-wellness, anxiety and addiction among 18 – 30 year olds especially" (Cavan GAA)

Clare

According to the Pavee Point report (Traveller Health Need Assessment: Clare, 2019), 46% of Travellers reported that they did not always feel like they were treated with dignity and respect when using health services. 92% reported substance misuse was a problem in the community; this includes prescription drugs and illicit substances. 12% of Travellers in Clare are homeless; those living in trailers identify lack
of access to basic facilities, including lack of access to running water (71.5%) and flush toilets (71.5%).

94% of workers reported that Clare CAMHS clinical environment are notsuitable for supporting young people. 100% of those surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that shortages of clinical space are putting children at risk (Clare Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services 2023). In 2022, Clare CAMH teams accepted 412 referrals but had only five rooms to carry out assessments and interventions. Each clinician can only offer a maximum of 1.59 hours (one hour and 35 minutes) per day. 88% of staff in a survey indicated they will be seeking alternative employment in the coming year. 94% reported poor or very poor morale.

Cork

Cork has some of the highest rates of new users for mental health services (Turn2me, 2022).

A number of Cork mental health facilities have been found as non-compliant (Echolive 2023).

Donegal

Nearly 400 young people waiting for mental health supports (Donegal News 2023).

Ombudsman for Children Dr Niall Muldoon referred tp the situation for mental health and disability in Donegal as a "profound violation of children's rights", especially in relation to number on waiting lists and length of time on waiting lists. This does not include those who do not go on waiting lists out of lack of hope in the system.

Dublin

Highest sign up rates for mental health support at 27.9% (Turn2Me 2022).

About 400 people per month are injecting heroin in Dublin streets (Ana Liffey Drug Treatment Centre 2021). Nimbyism is sometimes stopping treatment support centres from being opened.

Average age of drug runners is now 12 years Blanchardstown Local Drugs and Alcohol Task Force 2022) and the age of those not getting treatment is getting younger. Alcohol use, cocaine, and anti-anxiety tablets, ketamine, nitrous oxide, and ecstasy use have all increased.

Galway

Almost 1/3 of instances of overcapacity in Mental Health Units occured at University Hospital Galway (Mental Health Commission 2023).

One mental health centre was found to be borrowing money from residents to give to others without permission to make up for shortfalls (Irish Mirror 2022)

Kerry

numbers of children waiting for prolonged periods of time for an appointment have almost doubled since last September (Irish Examiner April 2023)

The Maskey Report found that 46 children who attended the Camhs centre in South Kerry suffered significant harm and 240 others had been exposed to the risk of significant harm (RTE 2023: Breaking News 2023).

Suicidal children are waiting more than 50 days on average to be seen by mental health services in Cork and Kerry. According to a report from CAMHS. the majority of psychiarty in South Kerry is conducted remotely from Doha. (Irish Examiner 2023).

Kildare

Kildare's most prominant mental health facility has been heavily criticised for a variety of issues (Leinster Leader 2023). Among other concerns, this includes inadequate individual care plans, inadequate ventilation with windows that couldn't be opened, window ledges being chipped and damaged, missing bedroom drawers, lack of cleaning to ensure respect and privacy, damaged flooring, and ligature points not being minimised (ligature points are anything that can be used to tie a cord or rope).

482 children are on waiting lists for mental health services in the CH07 area (KFM Radio 2023). This area includes Kildare, West Wicklow, Dublin west, Dublin south city, and Dublin south west.

Mental health facility Kyrie Therapeutic Farm was aiming to be up and running by 2023. However, politicians objected to planning. The targetted opening date now is 2026. A Fine Gael TD didn't want to attract 'undesirables' to the area intent on robbing the area. Read more at: https://carlow-nationalist.ie/2022/04/29/kildare-td-opposes-plans-for-therapeutic-farm-for-people-with-mental-health-difficulties/

Kilkenny

One hospital (2023) sent home a woman wearing just a hospital gown days after she was admitted for a serious psychotic episode despite needing additional care: https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/kilkenny-hospital-sent-half-naked-woman-home-in-taxi-1426285.html

The HSE was fined over conditon of a Kilkenny psychiatric unit: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/courts/district-court/hse-fined-over-condition-of-kilkenny-psychiatric-unit-1.3806055

Laois

617 children waiting on appointment with 77 children waiting more than one year in CHO 08 area (Leinster Express 2022). The CHO 08 area includes: Laois/Offaly, Longford/Westmeath, Louth and Meath.

The CHO 08 area has the highest rates of involuntary admissions to hospital (Shannonside.ie 2023).

In 2017, Laois was above national average for hospital admissions for mental health and behavioural disorders due to alcohol (Drugsandalcohol.ie 2019)

Leitrim

Cllr Finola Armstrong McGuire highlighted that patients seeking mental health treatment are often having to be reassesses and re-examined every time they look for treatment leading to longer waiting times than normal (Leitrim Observer 2023).

Limerick

Limerick has the highest suicide rate in Ireland at twice the national average.

Limerick has 8 out of the 10 of the top 10 unemployment blackspots in the country (2021).

70% of 15 - 18 year olds have experienced sexual harassment and catcalling in secondary schools (Limerick Post 2022)

Limerick CAMHS teams in 2022 accepted 680 referrals from young people but only had 22 bookable rooms to facilitate assessment and intervention for children and families.

Don't get me started on UHL... e.g., https://www.limerickpost.ie/2023/09/06/worst-august-on-record-for-overcrowding-at-uhl/

Longford

Of the large towns in Ireland (population 10,000 and over), Longford (30.6%) had the highest unemployment rate (CSO 2023)

In 2016, the Tusla Midlands Region (Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath) had the
highest instance of referrals to Tusla child and family agency services (CYPSC Longford Wetmeath Children and Young People’s Plan 2020- 2022).

List Item

Tipperary

Tipperary has one of the highest rates of deaths by suicide in the country (Tipperary Live 2022).

Waterford

Conditions at Waterford psychiatric unit condemned (Irish Times 2019). Read more here: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/there-is-no-personal-dignity-conditions-at-waterford-psychiatric-unit-condemned-1.4069413

Westmeath

Limited or no services for children and young people with autism (Westmeath Independent 2023) : https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2023/09/08/report-finds-damning-shortfalls-in-local-youth-mental-health-services/

Wexford

The Mental Health Commission has highlighted various concerns e.g., large waiting lists and waiting time, staff shortages, retention and recruitment problems, in one facility there was no assisted toilet, no designated disabled parking, etc. (The Irish Independent 2023).

Wicklow

Over 80% of Travellers in County Wicklow have experienced depression. Stress and anxiety were also reported to be higher than in the general population (Irish Independent 2023).

Wicklow children have some of the longest waiting times for mental health services (Irish Independent 2023)

How to help

If the government (especially during a budget surplus) can't address these issues, then it's up to us as a community to get together and do something about it. Spread the word so people can make informed voting decisions. Encourage your friends to vote. Write to your TDs and Senators how you feel about these issues. You can find all their contact details here: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/contact-us/ If they don't respond let others know on social media. Reach out to those who may not be on social media. Support local journalists if you can. They don't always have the legal budget to take on certain cases. If you're going to do a protest, try and arrange it to happen in the constituency of a politician who has relevant responsibilities instead of where the problem is. However, given that these types of problems have been happening for decades maybe Ireland needs to start a Mental Health Empowerment Party... just a thought.

This post has focused on some of the consequences of problems in society. You can find a list of problems in society, underlying causes, and possible solutions here: https://mentaldiy.com/list-of-problems-in-society/

This was not an exhaustive list, and it can difficult to source information on various topics. Let us know if you want anything else highlighted.

Author: David Tierney. Send tips or suggestions to info@mentaldiy.com