ADOLESCENCE CAN be a tough time. It’s a key stage in psychological development that involves developing basic skills to deal with difficult emotions. For some young people, it can be tougher still. Loss, trauma, abuse or family breakdown place even greater pressure on teens who are still finding their way in the world. Studies show they face a heightened risk of poor mental health, facing issues such as anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders or self-harm.
A study of young people’s mental health published this week by the Health Research Board contained disturbing findings. It found 15 per cent of 11 to 13-year-olds in primary schools in the Dublin, Kildare and Meath area fulfilled the criteria for a current mental disorder. The most common issues were anxiety and depressive disorders.
What is even more disturbing, however, is how we are still failing to respond adequately to the needs of too many young people. Research shows that if we respond to mental health problems early, we can help prevent children going on to experience life-long difficulties. Yet there are still critical gaps in psychiatric services for young people. At a time when demand for support is growing, staffing levels in the sector are running at about 70 per cent of recommended levels. Many children are still waiting months to get basic assessments. For those with more serious problems, some 155 children were admitted into adult mental health units last year. This is despite official guidance that this kind of response is inexcusable and counter-therapeutic.
There have been some important improvements. After years of lobbying, we now have more child and adolescent in-patient beds. State funding is helping to roll out the Jigsaw project, an innovative service which brings together community services in a youth-friendly way. Despite these steps, we still have a long way to go before we provide a comprehensive service. At the very least, we need to protect existing resources and generate more innovative solutions such as parent and teacher training, family and community support.
Mental health is everyone’s concern. One in four of us experiences a psychiatric problem at some stage in our lives. The number of people taking their own lives is increasing dramatically. Too many generations of people have suffered as a result of a neglected and underfunded mental health service. We owe it to our current generation, and others to come, to ensure no child is deprived of their basic right to crucial healthcare.