User:Killiandoody/sandbox

Introduction to Article
In modern Ireland mental health in young people has become a rising issue in recent years. I want to create this article to spread awareness about this subject and voice my support in young people getting the support they need to help them through hard times.

You may ask what is mental illness?
Mental illnesses are disorders of brain function. They have many causes and result from complex interactions between a person’s genes and their environment. Having a mental illness is not a choice or moral failing. Mental illnesses occur at similar rates around the world, in every culture and in all socio economic groups.

The statistics are staggering, 1 in 5 young people suffer from a mental illness, that’s 20 percent of our population but yet only about 4 percent of the total health care budget is spent on our mental health. [[http://teenmentalhealth.org/learn/mental-disorders/] ]

What causes somebody to experience mental health problems?
http://www.thekimfoundation.org/html/about_mental_ill/causes.html
 * Genetics
 * Brain Injury,
 * Infections,
 * Neglect,
 * Loss of a family member,
 * Living in poverty
 * Stress,
 * Depression
 * Substance Abuse

Advice on dealing with mental health problems
Everybody can feel down at times but if you feel down on a consistent basis it is in your best interest to talk to a friend or family member or even see a doctor. If you are feeling depressed or stressed and dealing with anxiety its okay to talk to somebody who is a good listener and will understand your situation and help you. Remember its okay not to feel okay life can be hard at times but remember no matter how bad the situation is you can overcome it with help from people who care about you and want to help you. I personally suggest you pick up a book, get some exercise, watch a movie, take a walk on the beach do something you enjoy and are passionate about to help make you feel better its the small things in life that will make you a happier person at the end of the day not the materialistic things. Remember to stay positive as positive thinking will lead to positive outcomes I hope this advice helped you.

The harsh statistics of Mental Health in young people in Ireland
IRISH young people have higher rates of mental health difficulties than their peers in Europe and the USA, with more than half suffering a significant problem by the age of 24. The mental disorder could involve a young person experiencing a behavioural or psychological problem either causing them distress or anxiety, such as a bereavement. More seriously, it could see the young person suffering from a mood disorder such as depression, experiencing psychosis, or having suicidal thoughts. By their mid-20s, nearly 75% have engaged in binge drinking, with one in five meeting the criteria for mental health problems linked to this behaviour at some time in their lives. The findings from research by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) showed one in five young Irish adults aged 19-24 and one in six young people aged 11-13 are experiencing mental disorder. The 'Mental Health Of Young People in Ireland' report pointed out that suffering psychological stress in early life leaves young people at increased risk during their adult years. Professor Mary Cannon of the RCSI said: "Our research shows that high numbers of teenagers and young adults in Ireland are experiencing mental ill-health at any given time."For the first time in Ireland, we have evidence. . . that young people who experience mental ill-health during adolescence have higher rates of mental disorders and substance misuse during their young adult years. "High numbers of young adults aged 19-24 engaged in the misuse of alcohol and drugs, according to the findings of the RCSI Psychiatric Epidemiology Research across the Lifespan (PERL) Group. "Of particular concern is that three out of four young adults met lifetime criteria for binge drinking. The research also reveals that almost one in five (19%) had thought about suicide," said Professor Cannon. The research involved surveying and interviewing more than 400 people between the ages of 11 and 24. It is the first time such comprehensive data about disorders among young people in Ireland was published.

http://www.independent.ie/life/health-wellbeing/mental-health/over-half-of-our-young-people-suffer-mental-health-problem-by-age-of-24-29651539.html

Irish Teen suicide rates among highest in Europe
The suicide rate among teenage girls is higher in Ireland than any EU state, while the rate among young Irish males is the second highest, according to a report analysing what governments are doing to prevent intentional injury to children.The study looks at 27 EU member states plus Iceland and Norway, and found Ireland has the second-highest level of deaths in Europe by intentional injury, either self-inflicted or by another person. While the suicide rate among girls in Ireland is almost 2.5 times the EU average (2.09 per 100,000 compared to 0.84), it is far lower than the male youth rate at 5.12 per 100,000, which is more than twice the EU average of 2.39. The distribution of suicides varies by age across Europe, mostly occurring among 15- to 19-year-olds, but with a small number among 5- to 9-year-olds. Throughout Europe, male rates are higher in all age groups, with male rates in 15- to 19-year-olds nearly three times those of females. Fine Gael TD Dan Neville, president of the board of directors of the Irish Association of Suicidology, said the youth suicide rates were “extremely alarming”. While Government funding for the National Office for Suicide Prevention had increased from €4m in 2013 to €8m this year, it was “still nowhere near what’s required”, said Mr Neville. He agreed with the report that our national suicide strategy, Reach Out, was still “under development”, while there remained “a long way to go”. The report, ‘What are European countries doing to prevent intentional injury to children?’ is launched today by the European Child Safety Alliance and is part of an initiative encouraging governments to implement evidence-based practices for prevention of injury to children and youth. Dublin City University is involved and Anthony Staines, chairman of health systems at its School of Nursing & Human Sciences, said while Ireland was better than many EU states in minimising risks of intentional injury to children, much more needs to be done. “There isn’t a magic bullet. What’s needed is a broad-based, multi-agency approach, looking at how to provide support in the home, in schools, in the community,” he said. Prof Staines said a lot of self-harm in older teens is linked to alcohol abuse and more preventative strategies were needed. There were 600 deaths among people under 25 in Ireland in 2012: 195 of these were external causes, 101 accidental, 94 intentional or unknown (mostly suicides). The HSE said the rate of self harm in Ireland has decreased over the last two years. It said its National Office for Suicide Prevention “plays a pivotal role in funding, co-ordinating, and giving strategic direction to the work of over 40 agencies working to promote positive mental health and reduce suicide and self-harm in Ireland”.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/irish-teen-suicide-rates-among-highest-in-eu-262690.html

Organisations and Charities willing to help people who are in need

 * Samaritans Ireland
 * Aware
 * Reach out,
 * Mental Health Ireland
 * See Change

Useful Websites for Young people experiencing problems and their contact numbers

 * All Teen 01-8732-699
 * Drugs/HIV helpline 1800-459-459
 * Gay Switchboard 01-8721-055
 * Shine (Schizophrenia Ireland)01-8601--620