Calls for stronger mental health services in Tipperary after a difficult few weeks for locals

“Things are raw here in north Tipperary at the moment for people (including some close to me) who have lost loved ones,” wrote Nenagh councillor Séamus Morris in a post on social media.

He was referencing a story that had gone viral online, regarding the extremely sad news of a young Galway man who had taken his life.

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“I think that we have a very weak mental health service here in north Tipperary (if at all) with that in mind I am going to do an analysis of what is out there for people who aren’t feeling well and what is there for people if they want to seek help whether it is medical or even talk not just 9 to 5 but 24 hours a day 7 days a week,” Cllr Morris continued.

His words come following a number of suicides in north Tipperary in recent weeks and Cllr Morris is not the only public representative to have addressed the deeply sad recent events in his local community.

Tipperary North TD Ryan O’Meara also raised the issue in Dáil Éireann last week. Speaking out in debate on mental health, he said: “As regards the Mental Health Bill, reform in this area is long overdue. I know the Minister of State is aware of that, and I acknowledge her work on the Mental Health Bill to date. I appreciate the fact that it got to Second Stage in the last Dáil before its dissolution. I also welcome the fact that on page 95 of the Programme for Government we have stated that this is a priority for us and that the passage of the Bill is essential in modernising our mental health services. It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reform legislation in this area, and it is the first major overhaul of policy in this area in 20 years in the State.

“I wish to discuss social media in this country.

“The major social media platforms that are both operating and based in this country and this city are failing many of our young people.

“They are hiding from their responsibilities when it comes to the regulation of their platforms. Bot and anonymous accounts, in particular, are doing untold damage in being allowed to say what they want whenever they want and about whomever they want. The allowance of threatening, abusive and intimidatory behaviour online is doing untold damage, particularly to young people in this country - but not just to young people.

“We are looking at anxiety rates and depression rates rising among young people. We deserve a lot better from our social media companies and we should demand a lot better. As regards the allowance of bot and anonymous accounts in this country, we see it as politicians who are posting on social media and in the abuse we get, which should not be acceptable. It seems a norm in society today. It is young people in particular who are so susceptible to that and so easily influenced by that. They are being let down by those social media companies.

“Finally, as regards the likes of ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) and safeTALK training, there is massive space in this country for the roll-out of those programmes on a wider scale within our communities. I was trained in applied suicide intervention skills in a previous job I had working in student accommodation. I had to use that training on quite a number of occasions doing suicide interventions with people who were my peers at the time, the same age group as me. These suicide first aid courses are desperately needed in our communities. My own community, Nenagh, is experiencing a very difficult time at the moment, with a number of suicides in recent times. It impacts a community desperately. The feeling or sense of despair in our communities when this happens is atrocious. We need to encourage our community organisations to roll out these suicide first aid courses, similar to how we have first aid responders in other walks of life. If the HSE could work with communities in doing that on a much larger scale, it would be really beneficial on a community level.”

While it’s clear that the Government need to review mental health services in this country and both Cllr Morris and Deputy O’Meara have done good work in illustrating the urgency of this, it’s also important to say what is currently available to people who may find themselves struggling.

C-SAW are a suicide awareness group based in Nenagh, Clonmel and Tipperary Town. They provide support and assistance to those who may be going through crisis and also raise awareness about mental health and offer support to those bereaved by suicide.

They can be contacted every Monday and Thursday from 6:30-7:30pm at 052 6172477 and every Friday and Sunday from 6-9pm on 0871755750.

Samaritans is another great place to seek help if you find you’re struggling. They are an international organisation with a strong base in Ireland and are available any time of day for anyone who’s struggling to cope and needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure.

You can get in touch with Samaritans any time for free on 116 123. If writing your thoughts in an email is easier, you can get in touch via email at jo@samaritans.ie, however, the quickest way to get in touch is via phone so if you or someone you know is at immediate risk of harm please try to phone first.Pieta is another charity that offer these services, they can be contacted for free on 1800 247 247 or Text HELP to 51444.

Samaritans also encourage people to contact their GP if they are struggling as your doctor will be aware of any counselling services (free or low pay) in the area.

If you or someone you know is going through a low period and you are looking for guidance on how to get help, please contact any of the aforementioned places or you can contact your local Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officer. In north Tipperary your local officer is Eva Reddy and in south Tipperary it is Cora Fitzpatrick, both can be contacted by calling 0818 111 126 from Wednesday - Friday between 9am-5pm.