Madam, - A spate of possible suicides sends deep alarm bells ringing in a society fearful and uncertain of the flaws that engender its proliferation. As deeply worrying is the pessimism that no practical or effective Governmental response is possible to discourage so complex and individual an act. The correctly identified central remedy, however, remains: how to overcome the barriers to access for help, particularly to professional services, most especially by men and the young.
The gulf between the suicidal and the overstretched services is unduly wide, fraught with stigma, misunderstanding and misinformation. One part of the barrier is undoubtedly how these services are presented to and received by those needing help, despite the availability of sincere professionals with a repertoire of effective interventions.
For things to change suicide prevention must become a real social and political priority. The Governments' record demonstrates some valuable progress on this, but much more must be done. The Mental Health Programme has had the least of all the increases in the expenditure on health in the last few years. Historically and most woundingly it has always been the principal and softest target for savings in times of cutbacks.
The negative impact on morale to service users and providers is pronounced and sustained. This contributes to the inhibitions on developments and transformations that might address the barriers to help for the suicidal, and indeed the many others in mental distress.
Given the current economic climate, the challenge facing the Government, and all of us, is setting hard and achievable priorities equitably across all health programmes. Fostering systemic changes where resource increase is again deferred is difficult, but, correctly done may maintain morale and improve services. However mental health and suicide prevention programmes cannot continue to take the hits for other general health programmes if the people of Ireland are to be given the possibility of a meaningful alternative to the wasteful and tragic deaths of fundamentally healthy, valued and beloved citizens.
We are seeking meetings with the Minister to raise this point, but lobbying by all concerned voters at this time is equally important.- Yours, etc.
Dr JUSTIN BROPHY,
Chairman,
Irish Psychiatric Association,
Newcastle Hospital,
Co Wicklow.