Johnny Guirke (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

First, I thank all the people working in mental health services. Mental health in Ireland has always been treated like a headache, the flu or something a chemist might fix but it is a much bigger issue than that and the signs have been apparent for years. Between 2009 and 2019, we had 5,426 people, 4,370 males and 1,066 females, die as a result of suicide. In fact, one person dies every 21 hours in Ireland as a result of suicide.

Stigma is a significant problem for people who experience mental health conditions and it has been identified as one of the most difficult aspects of living with a mental condition for the person involved and for his or her family. Stigma is recognised as a barrier to the recovery process. People do not seek help because they fear being labelled as mentally ill. The consequences of stigma are shame and humiliation and can lead people to delay or avoid seeking help. We need people with mental health conditions to know that help and resources will be put in place, that recovery is possible and, with the right treatments and support, that they can go on to lead rewarding and fulfilling lives. Mental health conditions are very common. Research indicates that one in four people will experience a mental health difficulty in their lifetime. Out of 36 European countries, Ireland rates third highest in the context of mental health problems. Breaking down the stigma associated with mental health needs all our voices to create a society in which people with mental health conditions are treated with dignity, respect and equality. A mental health condition can feel just as bad if not worse than a physical condition and needs treatment and support.

The issue of suicide is a significant healthcare and societal problem and the rates among young people give rise to particular concerns. The statistics only tell one part of the story. Behind each of those statistics are families and communities devastated by these tragedies. While I welcome the additional funding in the budget for mental health services, this is an enormous issue that needs to be properly resourced. We need to develop mental health services and facilitate campaigns that focus greater attention on the issue of suicide.

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