People were today urged to consider the importance of mental health on what is World Mental Health Day.
Today marks World Mental Health Day, which is designated a day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy.
It was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organisation that has members and contacts in over 150 countries.
In a statement today, John Moloney, Minister for State with responsibility for Equality, Disability and Mental Health, said: “The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that one in four people will experience some mental health problems in their lifetime.
“Mental health affects society as a whole and the consequences of mental ill health can be considerable and wide ranging. The economic costs are also significant. This is why the theme for Mental Health Day 2008 ‘Making Mental Health a Global Priority’ is so apt.”
Mr Moloney went on to welcome the establishment of the “European Pact for Mental Health and Well-being,” which is seeking partnership and an agreement on joint actions to improve mental health in Europe.
But Dan Neville TD, Fine Gael deputy spokesman on health and children, said the Government was underfunding the psychiatric services.
“In 2006 and 2007 an allocation of €51 million was made to introduce the recommendations contained in the report of the expert group on mental health policy entitled ‘A Vision for Change’.
Only €30 million has been spent on the policy, with the balance being transferred to other areas of the HSE, he said, adding there was no allocation for 2008.
Mr Neville, who is President of the Irish Association of Suicidology, continued: “The Government has failed to respect the human rights of people with mental illness. It oversees a psychiatric service which is out of step with international best practice and, as such, fails to comply with international human rights law.
“The stigma attached to mental illness within all sections of Irish society allows the long-overdue reform of the mental health services to be ignored. The Government is hiding behind this stigma in its inaction in developing the psychiatric services.”
In the North, the chief medical officer called on people to guard their mental health as closely as they do their physical health.
Speaking today at a Royal College of Psychiatrists’ event, Dr Michael McBride said: “Unfortunately there has been a long standing culture in Northern Ireland where people, especially young people, do not feel comfortable with opening up and discussing their mental health."
He said the link between alcohol misuse and poor mental health must also be recognised.
Additional reporting PA
