This article is from page 19 of the 2011-11-29 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 19 JPG
AN “open and honest” discussion about the issues surrounding suicide will take place at the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon on Thursday, December 1.
The Mental Health Forum on depression in rural Ireland will be addressed by Minister of State With Responsibility For Mental Health, Older People, Equality And Disabil- ity, Kathleen Lynch.
Other speakers on the night will include Dan Neville, President of the Association of Suicidology; Billy O’Connell GP, local doctor and community activist; and Dr Moosajee Bhamjee, Clare Psychiatrist.
According to organiser Ally Carr, “This evening is a public event open to all. The goal is to eradicate the stigma, which quite sadly is still prevalent with mental ollness.
“Our preoccupation 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.”
Ms Carr said figures show that the number of people affected by depression in Clare is one of the highest in Ireland.
“Speak to anyone in mental health and they will tell you that we are very high up there,” she said.
The north Clare woman said exact Clare figures are hard to obtain due to issues with “recording and reporting of suicide” She added, “A lot of it is that people won’t come out and admit that they have a problem.”
Ms Carr continued, “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, it will offer hope.”
Members of the Samaritans, Aware and Shine will be present to provide information about their services. The talk gets underway at 7.30pm.