March 27, 2009
Mental Health Service
Services not geared towards needs of teens with mental health problems
Irish Times (Thu, 26 Mar 2009)
Young people with mental health problems are being put off getting professional help because services are not geared towards meeting the needs of teenagers, new research indicates.
A study by Headstrong, the national centre for youth mental health, shows that young people who approach health services face obstacles such as long waiting lists, high costs and are unable to get help outside school hours.
Two out of three teens feel unable to cope with problems
Irish Times (Thu, 26 Mar 2009)
Almost two out of three teenagers feel unable to cope with many of the problems they face, according to new mental health research. The survey of more than 1,000 young people aged 12 to 18 also indicates that many teenagers who are anxious or depressed feel they have no one to talk to.
Leading change in mental health care
Sunday Independent Special Supplement (Sun, 22 Mar 2009)
An international, initiative is bringing together leaders in the mental health sector from seven countries. Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland and the US have all come together in the International initiative for Mental Health Leadership (IIMHU. The 'virtual' agency aims to enhance leadership in mental health and addiction services and thus enhance services for the public.
Wrap-around support
Sunday Independent Special Supplement (Sun, 22 Mar 2009)
Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) empowers people to take control and manage their wellness themselves, with help from supporting family, friends and mental health professionals to achieve the objectives of a recovery-oriented mental health service, there is a growing recognition that we need to explore new and complementary approaches to facilitate individuals on their own unique recovery journey. Wellness Recovery Action Planning, or WRAP as it is more commonly referred to, is an internationally recognised approach developed by Mary Ellen Copeland in 1989 (www. mentalhealthrecovery.com).
Mental Health
Mental health worsens
Irish Independent (25, Mar 2009)
Women’s mental health is deteriorating as rising numbers seek help from psychiatrists, figures show. The burdens of keeping a job, raising children and looking after elderly parents are driving more than ever before to the edge of a nervous breakdown, experts say. The number of women referred to NHS specialist psychiatric services in the UK is rising faster than among men.
Eating Disorders
Still only three public beds to cater for eating disorders
Irish Independent (Mon, 23 Mar 2009)
There are still just three specialist public hospital beds to cater for patients of all ages with eating disorders in the entire country, despite 200,000 people suffering from some form of the condition. The slow rate of progress has been outlined by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in a series of replies to TDs who wanted to know if promises to expand these vital services for public patients had been met.
Skinny idols 'lead teens to anorexia'
Sunday Times (Sun, 22 Mar 2009)
Media images, of stick-thin models and size zero celebrities may be a factor in vulnerable teenagers developing anorexia, say Irish doctors. A study found that girls at risk of the eating disorder viewed the body shape portrayed in the media by skinny stars like Posh Spice as ideal.
