The Irish Mental Health Coalition campaign was launched in June 2006. The campaign will put mental health on the political and public agendas, including in the run up to the next General Election.
One in four people in Ireland will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives. Many will never need to seek services and supports, but for those of us who will, our future, and that of our children and families, will depend on the right help being available when we need it. At the moment, this is not what many people around the country are encountering when they reach out for support. The Irish Mental Health Coalition campaign believes that we can and must confront the issues and take practical steps to improve mental healthcare in Ireland.
Please read below to find out more about mental healthcare in Ireland:
For a full list of endorsing organisations visit here.
For a full lists of politicians who have endorsed the campaign visit here.
- 25% of people in Ireland will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives
- 20-25% of total health related disability falls in the domain of mental ill health
- Ireland currently has the fifth highest rate of youth suicide in the EU for 15-24 year olds, and the rate is even higher for those in their 20s and early 30s, with men under 35 years accounting for approximately 40% of all Irish suicides
- Dedicated adolescent mental health services are virtually non-existent on a national basis
- 25% of families have at least one member with a mental health problem
- Ireland’s mental health expenditure has dropped from 13% in 1984 to now just 7.34% of the national health budget
- There is a dramatic shortfall in essential interventions including social work, psychology and occupational therapy
- People with mental health problems are more at risk of human rights violations and are more likely to be discriminated against and stigmatised
- Mental health problems can affect anyone
Under international human rights law, there is a right to mental health and to mental health services. In failing to address these issues, successive governments have ignored their obligations under international human rights law.
People with mental health problems are particularly vulnerable to social exclusion, since the nature of these problems often means they are recurring. Absence from work can lead to unemployment - which in turn means both a loss of income and also loss of a social network and access to the wider social world. Loss of income can lead to debt and even homelessness. Furthermore, the myths and misconceptions associated with mental health problems negatively affect the day-to-day lives of people, leading to discrimination.
The economic costs of mental health problems are considerable, and are estimated to be at least 3-4% of GNP across the EU member states. The largest cost occurs outside the health sector, such as through lost employment and absenteeism. Typically, these costs greatly exceed the relatively modest cost of providing preventive services and supports. It is important to remember that with appropriate and timely supports, people can and do recover from mental health difficulties. An investment in mental health represents the most cost-effective action - clearly, it is in everyone's interest to address mental health.
- Campaign for the right to the highest attainable standard of mental health for everyone.
- Demand that mental health is adequately resourced and gets a fair share of the budget.
- Encourage the mental health services to be orientated towards the individual’s full recovery.
- Insist that the national mental health policy, A Vision for Change, is fully implemented.
- Demand that the Mental Health Act, 2001 is fully implemented.
- Lobby for the human rights of people with mental health difficulties and their families to be respected in the planning and implementation of mental health law, policy and practice.
- Challenge political representatives and candidates to sign up to the campaign.
- Seek each political party’s prioritisation of mental health.
- Provide public information on the issues and help individuals to campaign locally.
- Challenge stigma, prejudice and the discrimination of people with mental health difficulties.
Endorsing Organisations
The Community Foundation of IrelandConsole
Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy
O' Connell Court(sheltered housing with care/support services for older persons and homeless adults)
National Learning Network
Alzheimer Society of Ireland
IPA Irish Psychiatric Association
Gheel Autism Services
Barnardos
Disability Federation of Ireland
SIPTU
Inclusion Ireland (formerly NAMHI)
Mandate Trade Union
Aware
Hail Housing
Steer Ireland
Federation of Simon Communities
Institute of Community Health Nursing
Politicians who have endorsed the IMHC
The IMHC core group members are Amnesty Ireland, Bodywhys - The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland, GROW in Ireland, Irish Advocacy Network and Schizphrenia Ireland. The group is chaired by John Saunders of Schizphrenia Ireland.