Mental health: An information centre on mental health has opened at St Patrick's Hospital, Dublin, providing a drop-in resource for patients, families and the general public. It is understood to be the first such venture in either Ireland or the UK.
Medical director of the hospital, Prof Patrick McKeon, says people diagnosed with mental illness are often dismayed by what they have to face.
"There are a lot of preconceived ideas about mental illness and often a big gap between what people imagine their condition to be and what it is and how it can be treated. It is easier to come to terms with a condition you understand."
The information centre is managed by Julie Healy, previously national support group co-ordinator with Aware, who has family experience of bipolar disorder.
"People who mightn't go into a bookshop or library to source information on mental illness feel safe here," she said.
"Coming to the hospital is the biggest step for patients. Once here, the centre provides a confidential environment for accessing information, not just on their illness but the services that are available such as self-help groups, financial and social supports and local services."
Ms Healy said that the service is geared to family members.
"Dealing with mental illness can put a huge strain on families. Here, families can find information to help them understand the illness, learn ways of coping with it and find organisations that might help. We empower people to support themselves and feel they are not alone."
Ms Healy whose sister was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder, describes how her family was affected.
"It was an awful blow. We had no idea what we were dealing with. It was frightening to see the change in her behaviour and for her to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital. We felt desperate and scared."
Ms Healy visited the centre to try to get a handle on things. She got more than she expected.
"The lady there asked if I'd like to find information that might help me. At first, I thought, 'no, I'm not the one who is ill'. But then I realised I'd been overlooking my own distress and that of my brother-in-law.
"I know now that a large percentage of family members develop mental health problems if they don't look after themselves. Thankfully we did, but very easily, we might not have," she said.
The centre also provides a link to self-help organisations. Prof McKeon points out: "Often people are intimidated by support groups and fail to make contact, but studies show that they have a very important role to play in people staying well and accessing emotional support."
For information on the centre, call (01) 249 3469.