Tough Times: Youth Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention Campaign Launched

national | miscellaneous | press release

Wednesday June 20, 2007 12:25

by SpunOut.ie - SpunOut.ie

info at spunout dot ie

Reaching out to young people experiencing tough times in Ireland

FACT: 50% of those who die by suicide in Ireland are under 35 years old

Young people who are experiencing difficulties in their lives are being encouraged to talk to others about it in an innovative national mental health promotion campaign called ‘Tough Times’, which launched on June 19th. The campaign encourages young people to realise that it’s normal to experience difficult times and that, however small or big the problem, there are help and support options available. It points young people towards www.spunout.ie, which provides factsheets on a range of health and lifestyle issues, signposts users to relevant help services throughout the country and gives young people a platform to air their views.

SpunOut.ie

The campaign is being coordinated by the youth-led SpunOut.ie charity and was commissioned and joint funded by Console and Turning The Tide of Suicide (3Ts) and produced by Kairos Communications. The cost of airing the advertisement on RTE television was provided by Console and the National Office for Suicide Prevention.

Ireland has the 5th highest suicide rate in Europe for the 15-25 year age group. Death by suicide is the number one cause of death among young Irish men. This campaign aims to reduce the large number of deaths by suicide by raising awareness of the alternative options available to young people in crisis. It will use a combination of television advertising, poster campaign, online marketing and presence at festivals and concerts, radio, newspaper and magazine features to communicate its key message; that everyone goes through tough times and answers are out there.

The television advertisement will air for 2 weeks from June 19th and features Ian Howley, a 22 year old student who attempted suicide three times in his early to mid teens. He got involved in the campaign through SpunOut.ie, to help others learn from his experience. "Everyone experiences tough times at some stage in their lives. Many young people continue to face a range of health and social pressures leaving them struggling to cope with life’s challenges, but I don't want any other person to have to feel what I felt and to go through what I have – there is someone you can talk to so no-one need suffer alone."

The highest rate of suicide is found among young men aged under 35 years – accounting for approximately 40% of all Irish suicides. In general, men are reluctant to seek professional advice to help them cope with difficulties. The campaign seeks to address this and uses the internet as a tool that many young men in particular view as confidential and accessible when it comes to sourcing information and advice.

Speaking on the campaign, Andrew Garvey, Chair of the suicide bereavement group Console said. "It's perfectly normal to experience tough times in life. We all do. Talking about an issue can make such a difference. There is no need to feel that you're alone. Talk to family, friends, teachers, youth workers, health professionals or support organisations. Never feel that there is nowhere to turn. However big the problem may seem, it is not insurmountable." He also encouraged people to call Console’s helpline on 1800 201890.

Well known Cork rock-pop outfit the Frank and Walters donated the background track ‘New York’
to the advertisement and are active supporters of the campaign. Ashley Keating, of the Frank and Walters explained why they've lent their support. "We think it's time the music industry rallied behind causes like this. Mental health problems and suicide affect everybody. We believe in the power of music to help people understand, survive and heal. The Tough Times campaign is particularly powerful as it brings together music, youth, health, community, government and media agencies to rally for a collective solution to a collective problem. We're encouraging others to join us".

The organiSers hope to involve a range of celebrities, politicians, funders and other organisations to support the campaign in time for the second phase in September by signing up online at http://www.spunout.ie

ENDS

AUDIO AND VIDEO FROM RTE
http://www.rte.ie/news/2007/0619/suicide.html

OTHER

http://www.youtube.com/spunoutmedia
http://bebo.com/spunoutyouth
http://myspace.com/spunoutyouth

-----------------------------------

Spokespersons from SpunOut.ie, Console, the 3TS and the National Office for Suicide Prevention are available on request.

www.spunout.ie

The award winning SpunOut.ie website, which acts as the hub of the campaign, is run by a young staff team in partnership with young people and healthcare professionals throughout Ireland. It provides young people with quality, accessible, youth friendly factsheets on important health and lifestyle issues, a signposting directory of relevant services, a moderated discussion forum and opportunities to be involved in youth media and advocacy. SpunOut.ie taps into youth internet culture, providing a confidential way to access information, which is particularly useful when it comes to sensitive and taboo issues around mental and sexual health.

Console

Console is a registered charity supporting and helping people bereaved through suicide. Console provides a range of counselling services and promotes positive mental health within the community in an effort to reduce the high number of attempted suicides and deaths through suicide.

The 3T's (Turning the Tide of Suicide)

The 3T's (Turning the Tide of Suicide) is a charity organisation founded to raise awareness and funding to lower the suicide rates in Ireland through dedicated research, educational support and intervention in the problem of suicide in Ireland.

National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP)

The National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) is a HSE office dedicated to coordinating suicide prevention efforts nationally and implementing the ‘Reach Out’ National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention.

Kairos Communications

Kairos is an acclaimed media production and television company, which for more than 30 years has produced high quality programmes for national radio and television. Productions include RTE’s multicultural series, Mono, several series of the cookery programme, Nuabhia Gaelach, for TG4, numerous live broadcasts and documentaries as well as a feature for Primetime on Rwanda.

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Comments (10 of 10)

More info

by Volunteer - SpunOut.ie Youth

Wed Jul 04, 2007 12:43

Audio and pics from launch event
http://www.spunout.ie/health/topic.php?t=336&a=2777

Frank and Walters performance
http://www.youtube.com/spunoutmedia

Hasslemerchants performance
http://www.youtube.com/spunoutmedia

Megan’s blog from the launch event
http://www.spunout.ie/about/blog.php?a=2773

Marie’s poetry reading
http://www.spunout.ie/about/blog.php?a=2781

Ian’s blog on the campaign
http://www.spunout.ie/about/blog.php?a=2765

www.spunout.ie

Snowdrops and Daffodils – Dana Revives Winning Eurovision Song to Help Ireland’s Suicide Bereaved

by Console Snowdrop Days - Console

Tue Mar 18, 2008 21:33

Snowdrops and Daffodils – Dana Revives Winning Eurovision Song to Help Ireland’s Suicide Bereaved

Console Launches Major National Campaign to Target Problems of Suicide in Ireland

As Ireland’s long history of success in the Eurovision Song Contest descends into a puppet show, the country’s first-ever winning song experiences a revival on airwaves nationwide.

This week, “All Kinds of Everything” resurfaces, 38 years after the song won the Eurovision Song Contest for Ireland for the first time ever.

Dana, a.k.a. Rosemary Scallon has made the ‘Snowdrops and Daffodils’ song available to help raise funds for a new Snowdrop Campaign to support Irish people who have been bereaved by suicide. The song will played as the background to a radio ad with Dana calling on the public to support Snowdrop days.

Console, the National organisation for the suicide bereaved is launching National Snowdrop Day, year one of a permanent national initiative to raise vital funds to develop professional Counselling, Support and Helpline Services to those bereaved by suicide.

The major campaign aimed at alleviating the tragic effects of suicide in this country launches across Ireland on Thursday, the 27th of March 2008 and sees the introduction of an annual national Snowdrop Day where the public will be encouraged to support the important cause by purchasing a snowdrop pin as a symbol of hope for €3.

For people who may not have the opportunity to purchase the pin during that period, Console has also launched a special mobile phone text number. The public can make a donation to Console’s Snowdrop campaign by texting “SNOW” to 57030 for a one off cost of €2.50, proceeds of which will go directly to the Console Snowdrop campaign.

The minute Dana heard about the campaign through a friend from Console, she was immediately transported back to 1970 and the opening line “Snowdrops and Daffodils”.

“It just seemed like the song was almost written for the Snowdrop Campaign, and I told Console if they could use the song in any way to help their campaign, I would be thrilled to support them.”

Margaret Tierney, of Console says it is vital for the public to view Snowdrop Day as hugely positive: “While the heritage of this campaign is inherently tragic, Snowdrop Day is a positive departure for tackling the problem of suicide and assisting the suicide bereaved in this country”

“Suicide bereavement affects so many people and by simply purchasing the snowdrop pin, our little symbol of hope, each individual plays a vital role in alleviating the agony of their fellow citizens.”

With approximately 500 deaths by suicide in Ireland annually and an estimated 6 individuals personally affected by each of these deaths, there are very few Irish citizens who have not been touched by the tragedy of suicide.

Console was established in 2002 by families that had experienced the grief of losing a loved one through suicide to help the thousands of people whose lives were torn apart by the devastation of this loss.

Since its foundation, Console has developed into a professional organisation, responding to the needs of those bereaved through suicide within the community. Console is a national service with offices in Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Waterford.

A host of high profile figures have come on board to support Console’s Snowdrop Campaign and these names will be announced next week.

Major retailers, Dunnes Stores and Marks and Spencer as well as other businesses throughout Ireland will be supporting Console’s Snowdrop Campaign by selling snowdrop pins in their retail outlets in Ireland from launch day until mid April 2008.

RTE suicide programme last night.....If you get the chance watch it and learn......Blackness and no

by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics

Tue Mar 10, 2009 17:52

future is but a passing phase but when you are deep in the depths, it is pure hell and detrimental to your health, your life, your families, your friends, to the busdriver and even your beloved dog.

I am 50, my near fatal experience was a horsefall in Zimbabwe and the luck tohave the only neuro man there who saved my life.
I feel 80 - the accident was at 32...............

But I am here just about.

Bipolar, anxiety, CFY........................................Mixed medication and that infamous mood stabiliser called
Lithium. I have adhered to blood tests but I am erratic and poisoned, hospitalised and out

All I can say is BEWARE. Look seriously at Universal Health Cover......remember this country inspite of all has 32B in assets.....not to take account of overseas accounts

We can ride it out but let not people die through negligence or recklessness

Take Responsibility

Michelle

A problem that is real and health services that our unreal

Thu Mar 12, 2009 17:59

Firstly

A&E....no problems lying in corridors night or day when you see just how hard the junior doctors, the doctors, the nurses, the staff, the cleaners, the trolley movers......well not for me........I was poisoned by the the Lithium I had been taking since 1998.....

Mood disorder is most successfully treated by Lithium but......but......but ........this is a salt and it has extreme risks......you might even find yourself on dialysis as I nearly did.

Who helps you once you leave hospital or before (I have a carer who had to fight tooth and nail to get a near delirious partner to Tallaght to locate where the problem was.......a local doctor, his wife, came to the rescue ( I hope he doesn't shy if I say he was 80 years old).........All I can say is never walk away from medical experience i.e. provided the mind is lucid.

Has anyone recently looked at all the agencies for Suicide - Lots of media, advertising, FASHION BUT WHERE ARE THE SERVICES. WHAT DO YOU DO AT A WEEKEND?

.
Did anyone encounter problems like me, trying to find a phone box, a book, a mobile that was conducive to shaky hands?

Then: Phone. We close at 8 p.m. Open in the morning.......what a nonsence.......being suicidal is timeless. They there is the answering machine and your heart pounds with panic and you feel worse than ever.

Never forget (I had) directory enquiries ...... I had but I found the book........Lucky me, but then I was so confused I did not know where to go........

Thank you Samaritans, always there.......a voice, an intuitive feeling that hey he understands.........he lets you ramble, speak, convey and the principal question is Where are you? Have you a bed? Think this is so grounding when you are distracted.

In business we have cost benefit analysis. We need to review charities, merge if needs be, but ensure troubled people and particularly our children are provided for in a time of stress.

The recession is serious........all people will be affected by the hisdeous corruption that has happened. Remember we have to forgive and save those from suicide who may have been corrupt.......too.

No weekend provision for suicide cases particularly young people, drug addicts, alcoholic.

Think, a mother distraught two years ago. Mrs. Grace, blind to reality started to walk and she walked into the water that killed her and her two babes......beautiful looking children and pure distress.

Be Aware.........Never be afraid to intervene,,,,,,,like those who walk along the Liffey and see a jumper the Gardai particular and they rescue them

To go back to the beginning - anyone on Lithium please be patient compliant to medications prescribed. The bloods are needed every two months....at the hospitals. The medications must be taken each day.....the side effects must be accepted........

Lithium poisoning is serious and I ought to know. Recall community mental health service is minimal, you need either a friend a spotter or a Carer........................Alert the Government about the HomeCare............This is a farce. I attended Trinity for 6 years......I was part of the Disabilities group........Your Learn from people with a variety of health conditions - young old etc. I put it to Government do a Cost Analysis here and you may be surprised at who is the most productive and adapting and brilliantly minded in our society. Take aware the carers, p.a.......and we are no different to the Chinese who wrapped the feet of women to hamper them.......

Could the corrupt bankers rather than being sentenced to Jail become unpaid carers. It is the cheaper option......I promise and they would stimulate their minds.....Just look at Lord Archers visit to prison, his 4 student cell mates.....and his book and play!!!!!

Michelle

Michelle Clarke

Patricia Casey Irish Times re. Frontline

by Disempowered - Bothered & Bewildered

Mon Jan 23, 2012 15:11

Mental Health/wellness/survival!

Have we learned any simple thing from the myriad of support groups who strive for their place on the ladder of the HSE disenfranchisement of people with mental health history. It seems not. People have expressed opinions ad infintum and yet Kathleen Lynch is talking about a change from Mental Health institutionalisation to community care transition and the infamous released funds now only 35 m. The excuse about transition takes time is un-acceptable if one considers the length of time people have been writing and seeking a system of community care that treats them with 'Dignity', care, empowerment and protection ie medical/social model!

The Frontline gave a one sided view and I have to agree with Patricia Casey's article in today's Irish Times. A one sided view on mental health is okay but for people who are diagnosed and need medications the lack of a proper system just endangers their existence in a very hostile world (ie my view based on her point about programme being one-sided).

Disempowered and vulnerable

Mental Health: Beware the individualised solutions.

by Rational Ecologist.

Mon Jan 23, 2012 15:18

You cannot be sane in an insane system. We should be looking at the systemic reasons behind the suicide statistics. Medication may help some, however, I firmly believe it causes a lot more problems in the long run.
Our society is characterised and built upon alienation and denial of the human heart. Alienation from Nature being a huge issue as far as I am concerned.

so many orgs and literature but who do I listen to and where is the support for my needs

by Maureen - concerned divorced parent

Tue Jan 24, 2012 15:36

I am a divorced mother who at present is looking for help regarding my son who is in his twenties and has been diagnosed with Schizophrenia (paranoid). He is my only child. He lives with his father who has full power with public health services regarding him. Being scared and alone I am asking how can I get a second opinion about this harsh diagnosis.

At present I watch my son deteriorating, walking the streets in a numbed reality, often unwashed, unshaven. I have no faith in the public health care system and its lack of community led supports. I would like to know what rights I have as a mother of a son who has received a paranoid schizophrenic diagnosis and medications. I am scared and alone - as I said he lives with his Dad and I am on the outside looking into an abyss unsupported.

Maureen

To Maureen.

Wed Jan 25, 2012 15:04

First of all let me acknowledge the very difficult situation you must be in. Do get some support for yourself. Get online and search for support groups for parents of children with mental health problems.
What part of the country do you live in?
The following might be useful as an alternative to the Pharma approach to mental health. Patrick Holford has some interesting things to say about Schizophrenia.
Terry Lynch GP is someone worth reading up on.

The minister with responsibility for mental health Kathleen Lynch TD will officially launch a new book on recovery in Cork on Friday January 27th 2012. The book is called SELFHOOD: A Key to the Recovery of Emotional Wellbeing, Mental Wellness and the Prevention of Mental Health Problems has just been published, written by well-known GP and Psychotherapist Dr. Terry Lynch. This is the first of a series of mental health books to be written by Dr. Terry Lynch over the next few years, the Mental Wellness Book Series.

the harsh reality for those with serious mental illness in Ireland today

by fullbottleonfrontofme

Thu Jan 26, 2012 09:14

not much hope for you if you have mental illness issues in Ireland. We just fuck you out on the street, cut your benefit and if you're lucky we will pay corporate pharma to medicate you into oblivion but only because we like transferring taxpayers money into the coffers of rich corporations. otherwise we wouldn't even do that. Welcome to Ireland where the asylums are free range. You can often see the casualties of this right wing ideology on our street corners and in doorways at night. We happily pay more money to police the giveaway of Irish resources to private corporations than we do to looking after those with mental illness.

They won't even be honest and give you an allowance to kill yourself humanely and with a little dignity. They'd rather you die on the cheap of alcohol poisoning or hypothermia alone and miserable on the streets desperate and destitute in a pool of your own vomit.

Thats the reality of mental illness (or drug addiction for that matter) in Ireland today. We are no longer a caring society. We have become selfish greedy individualists like the americans.

There is hope.

Thu Jan 26, 2012 09:38

The last poster painted a very bleak picture of the current situation vis a vis those suffering mental health issues in Ireland, and while I tend to agree with some of what was said, I have to say that there are some wonderful people working in the Community & Voluntary sector(what is left of it!!), helping people turn their lives around.
There is hope and there is help, however, you do have to fight like a dog to get it and the situation is getting more difficult.
What I am offering here is the voice of experience, not a baseless opinion, but fact.
I am looking forward to a response from Maureen. With a bit more info from her, I may be able to be of some assistance.
Yes, the system is shit but there are still many great, talented and kind people in our country.
Take care.

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Tough Times: Youth Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention Campaign Launched

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