‘Open and honest discussion’ about depression and suicide

A FORUM aimed at eradicating the stigma of mental illness in rural Ireland will be held in Ennistymon next week.
The speakers include Kathleen Lynch, Minister of State with responsibility for disability, older people, equality and mental health and Limerick TD Dan Neville, president of the Irish Association of Suicidology. Well-known Clare speakers are community activist and doctor, Billy O’Connell GP, as well as psychiatrist, Dr Moosajee Bhamjee.
“This evening is a public event open to all,” explained event organiser, Ally Carr.
“The goal is to eradicate the stigma, which quite sadly is still prevalent with mental illness. Our pre-occupation historically with institutions as a nation has not helped and is still somewhat resonant. With changing cultural and community patterns in rural Ireland we as citizens must address this epidemic,” she added.
According to Ms Carr, the forum is to be “an open and honest discussion about depression, anxiety and suicide”.
She explained the reasons behind holding the event now. “At any one time at least 400,000 citizens in Ireland will be suffering with depression. Young people are so disenfranchised with Irish society right now. Parents’ feelings of helplessness and hopelessness can be overwhelming, while 70% of workers will experience stress or anxiety at some stage in the work place.”
Ms Carr pointed out despite the public perception that rates of depression are twice as high in women as in men, men remain twice as likely to take their own lives as women.
“In 2010, 486 people died by suicide in Ireland. We have the fourth-highest suicide rate amongst young men in the EU behind Lithuania, Finland and Estonia,” she pointed out.
“Major depression is a common and disabling condition, which has been listed as one of the leading causes of morbidity by the World Health Organisation. It is estimated that by the year 2020, major depression will be second only to ischaemic heart disease in terms of leading causes of morbidity in the world and will be the leading cause in developing regions,” Ms Carr continued.
The forum takes place on Thursday, December 1 at 7.30pm in the Falls Hotel, Ennistymon.
“We must empower ourselves to deal with this illness. Merely referring to the medical profession alone in secrecy will not make this problem go away. We must show solidarity and acceptance to those suffering in our community. I would urge all citizens of Clare to come and support this evening. It will be educational, supportive and, most of all, offer hope,” Ms Carr concluded.